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Posted:
Sunday 24th May 2009
Source: Stephen Birley
Gary Chappell took the plaudits for the second time this season
for a superb all round effort, first with ball and then with the
willow as Bradninch claimed a 2nd successive Premier Division
victory, beating Torquay by five wickets.
Paul Nott was the others stand out performer in the contest with
a fine spell of opening bowling that saw him whip out three of
the top four batsmen on his way to a return of 4-36 from ten
overs, two of which were maidens.
Once again a feature of the Bradninch performance was the
catching – so lame in the season’s opener against Plymouth and
so sharp both last week and at Torquay.
Gary Newall and Richard Foan both held a brace of catches,
Chappell held one off his own bowling and wicket keeper Billy
Wakeley also got in on the act with a smart stumping – and there
was a run out to boot as well!
Nott had confided during the winter months that he was desperate
to make at least one appearance in the Devon League top-flight
and as the longest serving club member to grace the current 1st
XI he deserved the opportunity but on this display he shows that
he does not only warrant an initial starting place on nostalgic
terms, but also on current ability as for the second week
running, he claimed the all important early breakthrough.
Putting the ball consistently on the spot Nott combined with
Ross Acton (1-47 from 15 overs) to see half the home side back
in their pavilion without the score board registering a three
figure total.
Next to show was all-rounder Chappell and he spun his way to the
impressive figures of 3-25 from 15 splendid overs and with
skipper Joel Murphy claiming 1-39 from his ten overs, the
Torquay innings was done and dusted for the meagre sum of 148,
only three of which were extras.
The reply got off to a poor start with the loss of Richard Foan
for 7 – the 4th time this early season that the former Sandford
skipper has gone cheaply. Tim Piper soon followed for a single,
and then when Gary Newall returned to the dressing room for 21
to a smart catch behind the reply was wavering a tad on 41-3.
What was needed now was a solid innings and the reliable
Chappell served up the perfect dish as he kept the scoreboard
ticking in a match winning 4th wicket partnership with his
college pal Ed Stolle who was making his Bradninch debut.
When Stolle departed, like Newall to a catch behind, the victory
target was reduced to 56 and this brought another youngster, Joe
Webb to the wicket and he and Chappell took the score to 136-5
when Webb was caught for 21, leaving Ross Acton (6no) to help
see the side over the line with match winner Chappell who
finished unbeaten on 47 to leave Bradninch winners with five
wickets, and eleven overs to spare.
So back to back wins and the Bradninch berth in the top flight
looks more secure by the passing game.
It must be said also that this term it looks like being a very
keenly contested top-flight for, on match day four there were
also excellent wins for Sandford, over Plympton, North Devon,
over Bovey Tracey and champions Sidmouth, over Plymouth whilst
the game at the County Ground in Exeter saw Budleigh leave with
the lowing draw.
Next up for Bradninch is Saturday’s visit of a Plympton side who
will come to Kensham Park two places and three points better off
than Joel Murphy’s men, sitting in 4th spot.
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