Match Report Saturday 14th August 2004, Bradninch 2nd XI v Whimple

Saturday 14th August 2004 at Whimple
NAT DAVEY hit a typically hard-hitting unbeaten 87 at Whimple on Saturday to take the 2nd XI towards a title success of their own. Mind you on this occasion the 2nds actually got one over on their more celebrated compatriots in the 1st XI - they completed their 20 point win with the result of the 1st XI game very much in the balance.

No such problems for the 2nds who managed to overcome a couple of 'fallings out' out in the middle during the Whimple innings as LUKE WRIGHTSON celebrated his high-ranking in the most recent league bowling average listings with a 4 wicket haul. 4-32 were Luke's figures. There were also two wickets for Mark 'Budgie' Perrott (2-9) and Eliot Acton and a single wicket for skipper Craig Hawkins and Liam Raybould as the home side were dismissed for 146, the top score being from the bat of Roger Smith whose fine knock of 44 was stopped by a smart Les Kent catch at fine leg off the bowling of Wrightson.

In reply the run chase was centred on the bat of Nat Davey. Opener Rob Acton hit 21 and there was a contribution of 15 from Chris Dean but the day belonged to Davey who followed up his recent ton in the midweek friendly XI with his unbeaten 87 at Whimple, a score that ensured the 20 points maximum for Craig Hawkins' side and like the 1st XI for the 2nds the title is now very much ON!

Two games remain and with a 14 point lead over second placed Kentisbeare, and a 24 point lead over next Saturday's opponents Heathcoat the mathematics are quite simple, 27 points from the last two games, (at home to Heathcoat and a last day trip to Honiton) and the title will be on display in the Pavilion trophy cabinet.

The top places are.

1st BRADNINCH 244
2nd KENTISBEARE 230
3rd HEATHCOAT 220

next week's games,

BRADNINCH versus HEATHCOAT
AXMINSTER III versus KENTISBEARE