The BCC 2nd XI remain deeply entrenched in the battle to avoid the drop out of E Division East when they suffered an eight wicket mauling in a high scoring home contest against promotion chasing Topsham St James.
On another ‘road’ of a Kensham Park track, Bradninch skipper Thom Bunker won the toss, opted to bat first, and played his part with a contribution of 48 from the opening slot which was complemented by a splendid 98 from Chris Acton as the side closed on 270 all out in 44 overs and one ball.
There were other contributions with the bat from Will Birley, with 28 from the number four berth, and 27, from Ryan Shrewsberry, batting at number nine. Jason Dowrick scored 16 from the number five slot and there was a knock of 12 from number 10 bat Mark Perrott who helped put on a ‘seasons best’ 33 for the ninth wicket with Shrewsberry.
There were four decent partnerships on the day, the best being the 85 put on for the third wicket by Chris Acton and Will Birley, Thom Bunker and Acton put 67 for the second wicket and Acton and Jason Dowrick added 40 for the fourth.
Ross Trealeven took the bowling honours for Topsham St James with figures of 3-44 and there were two wickets for Verdang Mandalia and Derek Perry.
On a perfect batting strip, the Bradninch total was probably 30 runs below par, and so it proved as the visitors romped home, losing just two wickets – one falling to Paul Nott (1-45) and the other to Will Birley (1-49) – both bowling a full complement of nine overs as Derek Perry (80 not out), Matt William (76), Jon Sapwell (68) and Ross Treleaven (25no), ensured that Topsham St James ended the day considering just how much closer they are to the D Division East for next season while BCC 2nds were left to contemplate what they must do over the remaining three games to avoid sliding even further from the top flight 1st XI.