Third win shows B&K are serious about title

BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare march on at the top of the Devon County League Premier Division thanks to a three-wicket win over Sandford.

- by CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Three wins on the spin, and no dropped points so far, suggest the defending Premier champions are serious about retaining their title.

Mitch Pugh took five Sandford wickets at a cost of 45 runs as the home side were bowled out for 224 with more than seven overs to go.

Pugh's first scalp was opener Adam Small (29), followed by dangerman Lawrence Walker (36), then Somerset's James Theedom (16) and the ever-threatening Jackson Thompson (36) who, in a previous existence, scored a double-hundred for Bradninch back in 2013. Budleigh Salterton bowlers of a certain vintage still tremble at the mention of his name.

Top scorer for Sandford with 47 was Ryan Hunter.

The chase was not without issues for B&K, who were lagging behind at 87 for five with Theo Lamey gone for 30. Matt Jeacock and Kei Lalor shared four of the wickets.

The game turned B&K's way thanks to a stand of 92 for the sixth wicket between Adam Kent (47) and Jon Trinner (37). Extras topped up the partnership.