HIGHLIGHTS – A Club Cricket week that included a meeting between a Club XI and The Presidents XI / A fixture between a Bradninch/Cullompton/Kentisbeare XI and Devon Air XI / A BRADNINCH MEN versus BRADNINCH LADIES fixture /
17 games in the month of July!
The 1989 season is easily served up as a ‘campaign document’ thanks to the scoring efforts of the late Michael Birley who covered all 46 matches played by the club in 1989. The season began with a Sunday April 23rd home meeting with Yarcombe & Stockland and finished with a September 10th home game against Paignton.
The friendly fixture against Yarcombe & Stockland saw the visitors bat first and they were restricted to a total of 116-9 from the 49 overs the home side sent down. F Martin (28), S Drew (27) and B Lye (27) were the principle scorers with the bat whilst the Bradninch bowling honours were taken by Phil May who sent down 11 overs, three of which were maidens and he claimed 3-27. The four other bowlers used each claimed a single wicket – Roger Miles (1-23 from seven), Mark Stanbury (1-20 from 10), Chris Hatherley (1-13 from 8) and David Miles (1-22 from seven). The Bradninch reply saw the home batters face 39 overs from which they posted a closing total of 94-8. G Copp claimed 6-28 for the visitors while the home batting effort read: M Foan (26), D French (11), D Foan (3), C Hatherley (15), M Stanbury (3), M Shaw (4), R Gitsham (15), V Ebdon (13), D Miles (0 not out) and the two who did not bat were R Miles and P May.
The first league fixture of the season was played on May 6th and saw Buckfastleigh provide the opposition at Kensham Park and, batting first, Bradninch were bowled out for 132 in 43 overs and two balls. J Watson (4-54) and A Wakefield (3-13) did most of the damage with the ball. The Bradninch batting effort was: C Hatherley (7), J Freeman (0), I Kelly (6), D Foan (24), M Butler (7), D Retter (28 ), S Bailey (40), C Acton (0), M Shaw (3), P Hardy (4 not out) and P May (0). Buckfastleigh completed a four-wicket win, closing on 133-6 after one ball shy of 40 overs. G Woods top scored with an unbeaten 78. For the home bowling effort, Dave Retter took the honours with his figures of 3-41 from 13 while the others to bowl were Chris Acton (1-36 from seven), Phil May (0-8 from four) and Chris Hatherley (2-46 from 15.5 overs).
Whimple were the visitors for a Sunday friendly on May 7. Batting first, Whimple scored 185-8 from 40 overs. T Wright (4-71 from 11), D Retter (2-22 from 8) and P May (2-38 from 7), claimed the wickets while the others to bowl were Paul Nott (0-24 from 12 – he sent down five maidens) and Steve Birley (0-20 from 2). Bradninch were bowled out for 92 in just 25.3 overs. R Stringer (4-34) and P Hope (3-48) were the most successful Whimple bowlers and the Bradninch batting effort was: M Foan (0), G Wrightson (9), D Retter (39), P Nott (23), D Parker (1), R Gitsham (0), M Clark (13), S Bastin (0), S Birley (1), P May (0 not out) and T Wright (2).
Ashburton, on May 13, was the destination for the first away league game of the season where the home side batted first and closed on 139-9. After P May (0-26 from 6) and R Hawkins (0-16 from 6) had taken the new ball, it was the change bowlers of Paul Nott (4-31 from 17) and Chris Hatherley (4-56 from 17), claimed the wickets. Bradninch closed out a seven wicket win on 140-3. Chris Hatherley top scored with 57 while both Derrick Foan and Simon Bailey finished unbeaten on scores of 30. The openers were Mike Foan, who did not trouble the scorers and M Butler who made 13. The other players, who did not bat, were: T Morgan, P Nott, I Kelly, R Gitsham, R Hawkins and P May.
There was a National Village Cup tie on Sunday, May 14, with a trip to Cornwall to meet Boconnoc. Batting first, Bradninch scored 213-7 from their allotted 40 overs. The Bradninch batting shift was: M Foan (29), T Morgan (64), C Hatherley (52), P Nott (2), S Bailey (37 not out), C Acton (8 ), V Ebdon (0), R Gitsham (0), P May (3 not out) and the two not to bat were M Wilton and R Nott. The Cornish side got home with three overs and six wickets to spare. The openers put on 163 for the first wicket. S Key finished not out 97 while K Sturgess was out for 60. The Bradninch bowling returns were: Vic Ebdon (2-10 from four), T Morgan (2-31 from six), C Acton (0-23 from nine), P May (0-32 from five), P Nott (0-52 from seven) and C Hatherley (0-45 from six).
Thursday, May 18th served up a visit from touring outfit Edenbridge who batted first and scored 199-5 from 41 overs. R Hawkins (2-35 from 13), P May (2-38 from 9) and N Hartshorn (1-41 from 8), were the wicket takers for Bradninch. As for the Edenbridge batting effort – P Millard top scored with 82. The home reply closed on 161-4 with Rob Acton top scoring with a 59-ball 61 while John Freeman was not out 59. Others to bat were : M Foan (6), T Morgan (0), M Duncan (8 ), and David Miles, who was the other not out batsman at the close with 14 runs. D Murch (2-44 from 10), was the pick of the touring bowlers.
It was back to league action on May 20th with a home game against Abbotskerswell. The away side batter first and were bowled out for 136 in 41.1 overs. Paul Nott was the star of the show in this game, finishing with figures of 7-52 from 19 overs. Chris Acton, who shared the new ball duties with Nott, finished with 3-32 from 11 overs and one ball and the others to bowl were Chris Hatherley (0-41 from 9) and Philip May (0-8 from two). Derrick Foan guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 91-ball 48 from the number four berth. The others to bat were: J Freeman (12), M Butler (20), C Hatherley (29), T Morgan (4), M Shaw (9), Paul Nott (1), Chris Acton (1) and V Ebdon (0 not out). P Hardy and P May were the ‘did not bat’ home players. D Pugh was the star of the Abbots’ bowling effort with his return being 6-47 from 15 overs.
May continued with a May 21st away game at Babbacombe were the home side batted first and were bundled out for 96 inside 38 overs! S Corrick (38) and T Lee (24) were the only home batters to enjoy much fortune while the Bradninch bowling returns were: Chris Hatherley (4-20 from 9), Chris Acton (3-25 from 12.4), Paul Nott (1-3 from 10) and Phil May (2-15 from 6). Bradninch sealed an eight wicket win thanks to John Freeman (34 not out) and a knock of 22 from Chris Hatherley while Chris Acton, who opened with Freeman, scored 16 and the other not out batter was Derrick Foan with seven runs to his name.
Thursday, May 25th saw a local derby at Kensham Park with Cullompton providing the opposition for a 20-over contest. Bradninch batted first and scored 93-8, led to that closing total by Chris Hatherley, who scored a run-a-ball 38 and Derrick Foan, who hit an unbeaten 22-ball 29. The other Bradninch scores were: J Freeman (5), M Foan (7), Robert Acton (1), S Bailey (5), T Morgan (2), P Nott (3) and C Hawkins (0). Mike Kellow (2 not out) was the other not out batsman and Phil May was the one batter not to see action. For Cullompton, the bowling returns were: P Elliott (3-24 from 4), M Elliott (2-13 from 4), T Drury (1-8 from 4), T Bell (1-30 from 4) and D Percy (0-16 from 4). Cullompton ultimately sealed a six-wicket win with three balls of their 20 overs remaining. P Cochrane top scored for Cully with an unbeaten 54-ball 44 and opener Dave Percy hit 26. The other Cully batters to see action were J Pengelly (1), M Smith (2), T Drury (0) and M Elliott (not out 6). Third change bowler Paul Nott took the Bradninch bowling honours with his return of 2-18 from 3.3 overs. The other bowling returns were: S Bailey (1-18 from 4), C Hatherley (0-8 from 4), P May (0-14 from 3), M Kellow (0-15 from 3) and T Morgan (0-8 from 2).
Next up in the first full month of the season was a May 27 home game against Beacon. Bradninch batted first and scored 201-9 in 46 overs. John Freeman opened and top scored with 53. He and fellow opener Mike Foan (52), put on 110 for the first wicket. The other Bradninch batting returns were: M Duncan (36), D Foan (0), S Bailey (10), T Morgan (17), P Nott (2), D French (1), C Hawkins (0), D Miles (2 not out) and P May (5 not out). S Adams took 4-40 from nine overs for 10-man Beacon who were then bowled out for 71 in 22.2 overs to see Bradninch to a 130-run victory. Just two bowlers were used by the home side; Phil May claimed a ‘fivefer’ with his return being 5-30 from 11 while Paul Nott claimed figures of 3-39 from 11.2 overs. Opener S Bates top scored for Beacon with 23.
The final Sunday in May saw Yarcombe & Stockland visit Bradninch. The home side batted first and were bowled out for 124 in 49 overs. The home batting effort was: T Morgan (5), R Gitsham (2), M Foan (40), V Ebdon (0), D Parker (7), M Wilton (29), M Kellow (9), C Cliff (0), S Bastin (7), M Ironside (12) and Dave Henderson (0 not out). C Copp, R Reed and F Martin each bagged a brace of wickets for the visitors who then claimed a seven wicket win on 126-3 facing 31.3 overs. G Lye top scored with an unbeaten 41while B Harris was also not out at the close on 35. Mike Kellow (2-48 from 12) and Vic Ebdon (1-27 from 7), were successful home bowlers.
There was still time for one more May fixture with touring side Hampton visiting on Tuesday, May 30th. The Middlesex-based men batted first and closed on 220-2 from the 37 overs they faced. Opener T White scored 70 – he and T King (87) put on 171 for the first wicket. Second change Dave Retter (2-66 from nine) was the only home bowler to enjoy success. Identical knocks of 72 from Rob Acton and Tim Morgan saw Bradninch to a close of 204-6. The other batsmen were M Foan (1), D French (13), D Retter (8 ), D Miles (8 not out), R Morgan (2) and M Wilton (10 not out). G Dutton (2-61 from 16) and J Baldwin (2-18 from 3), were the pick of the Hampton bowlers.
After 11 games in May, the month of June began with a Sunday, June 4th home meeting with Coombe Down. Bradninch batted first, facing 47 overs for their close of 199-8. Rob Gitsham was the star of the show, hitting a 123-ball 71 from the number two berth. The best supporting knock was the 39 from Dave Retter while Vic Ebdon, batting at number seven, score 32 and M Wilton chipped in with 23. The others in action with the bat were: T Morgan (0), Craig Hawkins (4), K Martin (5), C Cliff (0) and Paul Bastin (0). The two not to bat were S Davenport and P May. The first six wickets were all bowled and the last two, those of Cliff and Bastin were ‘run outs’. The visitors were then bowled out for 90 in just 22.4 overs. Phil May (3-40 from 8) and T Morgan (3-23 from 9) were the principle wicket takers and there was one each for Dave Retter (1-6 from 2), S Davenport (1-6 from 2) and Vic Ebdon (1-1 from 1.4 overs). Only B Gammon (32) and J Morrish (10) got into double figures.
Back to league action on Saturday, June 10 with a visit to Brixham where the home side batted first and closed on 144-8 from 46 overs. No one scored more than the 26 hit by number six bat D Thomas while the Bradninch bowling returns were: Chris Hatherley (3-28 from 12), P Nott (2-21 from 12), Chris Acton (1-55 from 17) and Phil May (1-28 from 5). There were just 10 deliveries left in the contest when Paul Nott scored the winning run, giving his team a four-wicket win. Nott, batting at number eight, was unbeaten on 11 with Chris Hatherley, who batted at three, was the other not out batsman on 83, scored from 143 balls faced. T Morgan, in at number seven, scored a valuable 20. The other Bradninch batting efforts were: J Freeman (0) – the opener being run out to the fourth ball of the match; M Butler (3), D Foan (1), S Bailey (0) and Rob Acton (11). T Lanyon, with 3-38, was the pick of the home bowlers.
June 11th saw a Sunday North Devon League meeting with visiting Bridestowe. Bradninch batted first and closed on 142-9 from 46 overs. Opener M Shaw hit 44 – interestingly both he and number two bat, Rob Gitsham, were run out. T Morgan, in at four, top scored with 49. Number three bat, Dave Retter, was the only other batter into double figures with his score of 14. The other home batters were: R Gitsham (1), M Wilton (0), Mike Kellow (7), Dave Harvey (1), M Clarke (0), Vic Ebdon (6), Paul Bastin (1 not out) and Phil May (2 not out). Third change S Sizmur was the pick of the Bridestowe bowlers with a return of 4-18 from nine overs. The visitors were then bowled out for 76 in two balls shy of 21 overs! Only B Fogarty (14) and P Down (11) reached double figures as Mike Kellow sent down eight overs – four of which were maidens – and finished with five wickets for 16 runs. Vic Ebdon, who opened the bowling with Kellow, returned excellent figures of 3-27 and there were single wickets for Phil May (1-1) and Dave Harvey (1-5).
Chudleigh were the visitors for a June 17, Devon League game. The visitors batted first and were bowled out for 191 with their innings facing the full 46 overs. A Davis opened ands top scored for Chudleigh with a knock of 66 and P Sercombe hit 33. The Bradninch bowling returns were: Dave Retter (5-60 from 11) and Chris Hatherley (4-50 from 15). Interestingly, Hatherley was the second change bowler and Retter the third change! The others to bowl were Paul Nott (0-25 from 8), Chris Acton (0-19 from 8) and Phil May (0-18 from 4). Bradninch needed a shade less than 36 overs to secure an eight wicket win thanks to an unbeaten 62-ball 94 from Dave Retter who hit 14 fours and one six and a 106-ball unbeaten 72 from Chris Hatherley – the pair adding 174 for the unbroken third wicket. The wickets to fall were those of John Freeman (9) and M Duncan (0) while Derrick Foan retired hurt with seven runs to his name.
June 18 saw Bradninch travel down the A380 to Plympton where the home side batted first and closed on 214-4 from 46 overs. C Welch top scored with an unbeaten 94 and D Robjohns hit 60. The Bradninch bowling returns were: Paul Nott (2-51 from 12), Chris Acton (0-43 from 14), Simon Bailey (1-30 from 7), Vic Ebdon (0-31 from 4), T Morgan (0-23 from three) and Phil May (1-20 from 6). Bradninch were then bowled out for 109 in 39 overs. The Bradninch batting effort was: J Freeman (0), M Butler (7), M Duncan (10), D Foan (35), S Bailey (15), T Morgan (25), P Nott (1), C Acton (2), I Kelly (4), V Ebdon (0) and P May 3 not out). D Robjohns, N Higginson and D Welch each claimed three wickets for the home side.
A midweek meeting with Tiverton Heathcoat was played out on June 20. Bradninch batted first and, from 18 overs, closed on 146-7. Paul Nott top scored with an unbeaten 34 while the other batting scores were: D Foan (28), T Morgan (3), D Retter (15), D Richards (18), R Acton (2), S Bailey (12), C Acton (4) and j Freeman (12 not out). Those who also played but did not bat were: V Ebdon and P May. T Davey and C Bending each claimed a brace of wickets for Heathcoat who then raced to an eight wicket win inside 14 overs! Opener C Bending hit an unbeaten 86 and J Hulley was not out 27 when the winning line was crossed. The only success for home bowlers were the returns of S Bailey (1-15 from 2) and P Nott (1-29 from 4).
Feniton were the June 24th visitors to Bradninch and the visitors were bowled out for 112 in 44.4 overs. J Virgin (26), G Tucker (21) and S Bright (12) were the only visiting batters to record double figure scores. First change bowler Chris Hatherley was the star of the home show as he claimed six wickets for 29 runs off the 17 overs he sent down. Paul Nott opened the bowling and his first three overs were maidens. Indeed, Nott sent down no less than 63 dot balls in his 11 over spell that saw him post figures of 0-17 – there were only four scoring shots recorded off the Nott overs! S Bailey, on as second change, finished with 3-20 and the other bowler used, C Acton, returned figures of 1-25 from 8.4 overs. The home side faced 33 overs and two balls on their way to a five wicket win. M Duncan, batting at number six, was unbeaten on 37 and J Freeman, at number seven, was not out 14 as victory was sealed.
The final Sunday of June (25th) saw a game at Whimple where, batting first, Bradninch closed on 150-6 from 36 overs. Openers M Shaw (64) and M Foan (46) scored the bulk of the runs. The others in action with a bat for Bradninch were: D French (0), R Money (0), M Stanbury (5), R Gitsham (2), D Parker (10 not out) and P Bastin (0 not out). The Whimple bowling returns were: C Fildew (0-16 from 7), P Hope (0-26 from 8), N Evans (3-57 from 11) and M Barnes (3-34 from 10). The home side completed a six wicket win inside 26 overs thanks to an unbeaten 51 from number five bat Malcolm Pavia. K Thorley hit 23 and P Hope, an unbeaten 20 as Whimple closed on 152-4. Mike Kellow opened the bowling for Bradninch and finished with figures of 3-45 and the only other bowling success came in the 1-24 return from Vic Ebdon. R Hawkins (0-40 from 8) and D French (0-33 from 3.4) were the other bowlers to see action.
Thursday, June 29, saw touring side Heslington visit Bradninch and opener A Saxton scored a superb 117-ball unbeaten 101 as the tourists closed on 243-4 from the 42 overs sent down by the home side. First change T Morgan claimed a brace with his return being 2-27 from seven overs. The other bowling returns were: D Miles (1-62 from seven), J Peters (1-50 from 7), I Richardson (0-18 from 5), P May (0-45 from11) and T Wright (0-26 from 2). Bradninch replied with 197-6 from their 42 overs. Opener Mike Foan hit 59 while number four bat T Morgan top scored with 66 and Rob Acton, batting at three, hit 40. The other home batting returns were: P May (1), D Harvey (1), R Gitsham (7), I Richardson (3 not out) and S Peters (4 not out). The batters not to see action were: D Miles, S Birley and T Wright. M Firth took 3-56 from 16 overs for the touring side.
The first game of July, played on July 1st, was an away league game at Kingsbridge where Chris Hatherley was the ‘star of the show’, first claiming a ‘fivefer’ and then hitting 60, sharing a century stand for the second wicket with M Butler. Kingsbridge were bowled out for 170 in two balls shy of the full 46 overs. Number six bat F Harrison top scored with 49. The Hatherley return – he opened the bowling with Paul Nott – was 5-89 from 22.4 overs. The Nott return was 3-38 from 13 and the only other bowler used was Chris Acton (1-29 from 10). Bradninch then claimed a seven wicket win thanks to an unbeaten 78 from opener M Butler and a knock of 60 from Hatherley. The others to bat were: M Shaw (0), D Foan (4) and D Retter (28 not out). Those who played, but did not bat, were: M Duncan, S Bailey, J Freeman, D Richards, P Nott and C Acton.
July 2nd saw Bradninch travel into Exeter to meet Exwick where the home side batted first and were bundled out for just 52 in 26.4 overs! Phil May took the bowling honours with a return of 7-11 from eight overs and four balls. Home opener G Stroulger – and extras – were the only Exwick totals into double figures. The other Bradninch wicket takers were: D Miles (1-13 from 5), D Harvey (1-7 from 4), T Wright (1-6 from 4). Others to bowl were Steve Birley (0-5 from 4) and P Bastin (0-4 from 1). In the reply, opener Mike Foan had to retire hurt with four runs to his name. Both R Gitsham (0) and V Ebdon (2) were run out while Craig Hawkins scored a 29-ball 24. The not out batsmen when the winning line was crossed were David Miles (12) and Steve Birley (6).
Next up was a July 3rd trip to Cullompton for a Corinthian Junior KO Cup encounter. Bradninch batted first and scored136-8 from the 18 8-ball overs that were sent down. The Bradninch batting returns were: D Foan (14), P Nott (4), M Duncan (0), D Retter (12), R Acton (24), C Acton (30), W Dines (35), I Kelly (0), M Kellow (4 not out) and V Ebdon (1 not out) and P May was the only batter not to get too the wicket. For Cullompton, the bowling returns were: T Bell (on as bowler four), 4-18 from his four overs; D Percy (2-17 from 4), M Elliott (2-23 from 4), T Drury (0-47 from 4) and R Heale (0-23 from 2). Cullompton were short at the close of their innings on 128-9 leaving Bradninch winners by the narrow margin of eight runs. J Pengelly opened the home innings and top scored with a run-a-ball 48 and number three bat, M Baker, scored 31. No other Cully batsman reached double figures with the individual scores being D Percy (5), P Cochrane (1), M Elliott (5), D Brister (3), M Smith (7), T Drury (0), R Heale (9 not out), A Garnham (2) while T Bell was the only home player not to bat. It was the fifth bowler, P May, who took the honours for Bradninch with his return of 7-18 from four overs. P Nott (1-23 from 4) and C Acton (1-45 from 4). The two other bowlers used were, Will Dines (0-9 from 2) and M Kellow (0-22 from four).
Less than 24 hours after the derby cup success, Bradninch were in home action entertaining touring side Winterbourne. The visitors batted first and posted an impressive 242-4 from 35 overs. Opener A Taverner scored 123 and fellow opener R Nutt scoring 55 – the pair put on 151 for the first wicket. Second change bowler T Wright returned figures of 3-63 from eight overs. The other bowling figures were: P May (0-54 from 7), D Miles (0-37 from six), P Goldby (0-24 from 7), D Harvey (0-22 from 3), G Wrightson (1-27 from 3) and R Acton (0-2 from 1). The match ended in a draw as Derrick Foan scored 124, putting on 165 for the second wicket with Rob Acton who was unbeaten on 57 at stumps. P Goldby (9), D French (4) and D Miles (4 not out), were the other batters to see action as Bradninch closed on 215-3 from 40 overs. The home players not to bat were: P Armstrong, G Wrightson, P May, T Wright, D Harvey and T Armstrong.
A fifth game inside the first eight days of July was a Devon League game at Buckfastleigh where the home side batted first and were all out for 169 having faced their full compliment of 46 overs. One interesting stat to come out of this game is that four of the home wickets were ‘run-outs’. In terms of the Bradninch bowling returns, they were: Paul Nott (3-41 from 16), Chris Acton (1-48 from 14), Chris Hatherley (1-54 from 12) and Dave Retter (1-21 from 4). The match ended in defeat for Bradninch who were restricted to a reply of 86-8 from the 46 overs they faced. The only batter into double figures was number six M Duncan who finished not out on 34 from 76 balls faced. The full batting returns were: M Shaw (4), M Butler (7), C Hatherley (5), D Foan (3), D Retter (9), M Duncan (34 not out), T Morgan (3), J Freeman (7), P Nott (0) and C Acton (5 not out). R Gitsham was the only Bradninch player not to bat. A Wakefield, who bowled 23 overs straight through, ended with figures of 3-35. J Watson (3-40) and J Dupree (2-8) were the other Buckfast bowlers to see action.
A third meeting with Cullompton in 39 days was played out on Sunday, July 9 with the contest played out at Bradninch where Cully batted first, closing on 140-8 after 43 overs. The Cullompton batting returns were: M Baker (58), J Pengelly (6), P Elliott (3), M Elliott (41), K Elliott (0), P Tiley (2), A Garnham (1), P Garnham (2), D Percy (18 not out), F Tiley (1 not out) and the one ‘did not bat’ was D Tiley. The Bradninch bowling returns were: Vic Ebdon (4-32 from 13), Dave Retter (4-52 from 13), Mike Kellow (0-19 from 12) and Dave Harvey (0-32 from 5). Bradninch were to suffer defeat by the narrowest of margins – just four runs – as they were bowled out for 136 in 34.3 overs. T Morgan, batting at number four, top scored with an unbeaten 56. The full Bradninch card read: M Foan (30), R Gitsham (4), D Retter (1), C Hawkins (13), M Kellow (0), D Harvey (19), M Clarke (0), C Cliff (0), S Bastin (0) and V Ebdon (0). From a match-winning position of 128-5, Bradninch lost five wickets for just eight runs! M Elliott (6-29 from 9.3 overs), did most of the damage. The other Cully bowling returns were: D Percy (3-29 from 8), P Elliott (1-31 from 6) and A Garnham (0-7 from two).
BT Marine visited Bradninch for a Tuesday, July 11, encounter. The 10-man visitors batted first and were bowled out for 174 in one ball shy of 40 overs. M Revie top scored with 52 while the Bradninch bowling honours went to David Miles (5-43 from 12.5 overs). The other bowling returns were: J Peters (1-21 from 7), P May (1-33 from 9), S Birley (1-33 from 10) and D Harvey (0-10 from 1). In what proved to a thrilling finish, the visitors sealed a four run win, bowling Bradninch out for 170 in 35.3 overs. The Bradninch batting effort was: M Foan (44), S Birley (0), D Miles (8), T Morgan (44), D Henderson (0), R Acton (47), S Peters (4), P May (3), D Harvey (0), S Bastin (2 not out) and D Brady (0). A Garratt took the BT Marine bowling honours with 4-18 from 5.3 overs.
Friday, July 14 saw Kensham Park host a fixture between a Bradninch/Cullompton/Kentisbeare XI and a team under the title of Devon Air Celebrities. The visiting side, one that included the likes of Exeter City legends Steve Neville and Keith Parsons together with Devon Air radio presenter James Pierce, batted first and, after 20 overs, posted a score of 182-5 – 61 of the runs coming from the bat of Steve Neville1) and N Ash and 57 runs from another City footballer, Paul Batty. The five wickets were shared between Phil Chappell, Nigel Gillett, Paul Elliott, Dave Retter and Rob Gitsham. The visiting XI won the game with the ‘home’ XI bowled out for 171 in the last of their 20 overs. Nigell Gillett top scored with 38, Dave Retter hit 29 and T Morgan scored 29. The full Bradninch/Cullompton/Kentisbeare XI batting effort read: T Morgan (29), N Gillett (38), P Elliott (6), R Gitsham (8 ), P Chappell (0), D Jillings (7), K Martin (15), D Retter (29), M Elliott (0), S Bailey (16) and M Kellow (0 not out). Keith Parsons claimed a brace of the wickets.
Ashburton provided the opposition for a July 15 League fixture at Kensham Park and the visitors batted first, closing on 185-4 thanks, in the main, to an unbeaten 78 from D Churchill. Chris Hatherley bowled unchanged from one end for his return of 1-79 from 23 overs. Paul Nott took 2-43 from 10 and George Retter finished with figures of 1-36 from four while the other bowler used was Chris Acton (0-27 from nine). Bradninch were then bowled out for 165 in 44 overs and one ball to lose the contest by a margin of 20 runs. Christophers with 5-46 and D Christophers, with 3-35, did the bulk of the wicket taking. Derrick Foan top scored for the home side with 59, but the only other knocks of double figures were from Dave Retter (26), John McKinnell (20) and M Shaw (11). It was another ‘collapse’ that did for Bradninch who slipped from 137-3 to their all out total that meant the last seven wickets fell for just 28 runs!
A day later Bradninch travelled to Abbotskerswell where the home side batted first and scored 207-7 thanks to M Pugh (48), T McDougall (45) and J Peck (40). Simon Bailey (3-38 from 9) and George Retter (2-43 from 8) were the most successful bowlers. Half centuries from John McKinnell and Simon Bailey guided Bradninch to a two wicket win. McKinnell top scored with a 79-ball 68 while Bailey was unbeaten on a 73-ball 54 when the win was confirmed. The full Bradninch batting effort was: D Foan (2), M Butler (19), C Hatherley (11), D Retter (12), P Nott (3), T Morgan (11), C Acton (0) and M Shaw (2 not out). P May was the only player not to bat. D Pugh with 4-64, proved to be the pick of the home bowlers.
There was a Tuesday fixture on July 20 with a visit from Four Elms who batted first and scored an imposing 236-4 from 38 overs. T Theobald top scored for the visitors with 82 and G Medhurst – who added 122 for the first wicket with Theobald, scored 52. Phil May claimed 2-49 from eight overs and both T Morgan and R Acton claimed a wicket each. Bradninch then managed to draw the game, closing on 197-8, thanks, in the main to a splendid 85-ball 84, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. The full home batting return was: P Nott (84), D French (39), R Acton (4), T Morgan (22), G Wrightson (25), D Harvey (1), R Hawkins (6), J Peters (2 not out), D Henderson (1), P May (3 not out) with the only home player not to bat being T Wright. J Sharp and J Pike each claimed four wicket hauls for Four Elms.
Friday, July 21st saw Bradninch in Corinthian Junior KO Cup action with a visit to the Bohea Field home of Clyst St George where they batted first and closed on 169-5 after 18 8-ball overs. Chris Acton, batting at number eight, top scored with a 41-ball 49 – hitting five sixes and two fours! Mike Foan opened and scored a run-a-ball 31 while Simon Bailey, in at six, was unbeaten on 37, scored off 34 balls, when the innings closed – Acton and Bailey adding 96 for the unbroken sixth wicket. The others to bat for Bradninch were Derrick Foan (0), D Retter (6), R Acton (9) and T Morgan (4 retired hurt). Mike Kellow, Rob Gitsham and Phil May were the three who did not see batting action. Phil Laverick took 2-50 for the home side. Clyst St George were then bowled out for 88 in 15 overs and four balls. Only M Ball (21) and N Ash (19) managed double figures as Paul Nott (3-21 from four) and Simon Bailey (3-21 from four), did the bulk of the damage. The other three bowlers used claimed a wicket each – Chris Acton (1-14 from four), Phil May (1-23 from 2), Dave Retter (1-1 from four balls).
July 22nd saw Babbacombe as the latest visitors to Kensham Park for a Devon League contest. They batted first and were bowled out for 152. Simon Bailey was the star of the home bowling effort with a superb return of 6-40 from 14 overs. Paul Nott (2-25 from 13), Chris Acton (1-27 from 7) and Chris Hatherley (1-37 from 9) were the other wicket takers. Bradninch sealed a six wicket win thanks to a 54-ball unbeaten 51 from Chris Hatherley while opener Derrick Foan hit 48 and M Butler, who opened with Foan, scored 26. Others to bat were Dave Retter (12), M Duncan (0) and Simon Bailey (5 not out). Second change G Wilson claimed 4-38 for Babbacombe.
Sunday, July 23rd saw Culmstock visit Bradninch and, batting first, Culmstock scored 171-5 from their 41 overs. Dave Squire top scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 60. The full Culmstock batting effort was: N Farley (17), G Beale (21), D Squire (60 not out), C Morter (34), J Robinson (15), D Reed (0), G Symons (4 not out). J Long, R Symons, J Gush and S Pring were all not required for batting. Mike Kellow took the bowling honours with a return of 4-64. Del French was the other wicket taker with a return of 1-47 from 10. Vic Ebdon, M Wilton and T Morgan were the three others to bowl for the home side. Bradninch sealed a two wicket win thanks to 43 from T Morgan, 31 from D French and 19 from C Cliff. The full Bradninch batting list was: D French (31), G Wrightson (14), R Gitsham (13), T Morgan (43), C Cliff (19), S Bastin (10), M Wilton (14 not out), C Hawkins (6 not out), D Harvey (4 not out), M Kellow (4) and the one player not to bat was Vic Ebdon.
Chichester Nomads were the Tuesday, July 25th visitors. The home side batted first and closed on 203-9. Rob Acton top scored on 58 – scored from just 42 balls – he hit eight fours and two sixes – and T Morgan hit 41 while opener Giles Wrightson scored 38. Others to bat for Bradninch were: D French (9), J Foat (6), M Stanbury (3), V Ebdon (7), R Hawkins (8), T Wright (1 not out), S Birley (4) and P May (1 not out). A Elvin (4-53) and S Baxter (3-20) were the principle wicket takers. F McDonald top scored for the touring side with 98 – he was two runs shy of his century when he was bowled by Jim Foat. Nomads won the game by six wickets. The successful Bradninch bowlers were T Morgan (1-34 from 6), R Hawkins (1-11 from 6), V Ebdon (1-39 from 5) and J Foat (1-39 from 10).
The final Saturday of July saw Bradninch draw a Devon League game at Plymouth-based Beacon. The home side batted first and closed on 221-9. J Banks top scored from the middle order with 58 while opener J Furness hit 40 and R Worth, batting at number nine, scored a 39-ball 45. Simon Bailey (3-45 from 10) and Paul Nott (3-64 from 15) were the main wicket takers for Bradninch who then scored 163-9 . Chris Hatherley top scored with 62 while John McKinnell chipped in with 45 – the pair added 77 for the third wicket. The full Bradninch batting effort was: D Foan (11), M Butler (14), D Retter (8), M Duncan (1), S Bailey (6), D Richards (0), C Acton (6 not out), P Nott (1) and M Stanbury (0 not out). C Gretorix claimed 5-26 in 15 overs for the home side.
The penultimate day of July saw Bradninch entertain Exwick at Kensham Park. Rob Gitsham top scored with a 113-ball 70 from the openers slot. Mike Foan also opened and he hit 41 – the pair put on 88 for the first wicket. M Wilton with an unbeaten 17 was the only other home batter to register double figures and the innings ended on 172-7.C Drew took 3-40 from 11 overs for Exwick who then replied with133 all out. Steve Birley opened the bowling and returned figures of 3-19 from six overs. Dave Harvey claimed a brace with his figures being (2-5 from 2.1 overs) and Roger Miles also claimed a brace with his return being (2-38 from nine). Vic Ebdon and Craig Hawkins each had a single wicket. C Drew top scored for Exwick with an unbeaten 58.
August began with a Saturday (5th) home league game against Roborough. Bradninch batted first and closed on 152-9 with opener Derrick Foan top scoring with 49. M Butler, who opened with Foan, hit 26 and number three bat Chris Hatherley chipped in with 20. M Duncan, batting at seven, scored 22. However, 152 still proved a winning score as Roborough were bowled out for 137 in 42.1 overs. Paul Nott and Simon Bailey opened the bowling for the home side and sent down 30 overs between them. Nott finished with figures of 3-27 from his 15 overs while the Bailey return was 3-40 from his 15. Chris Acton and Chris Hatherley both bagged a brace of wickets.
Sunday, August 6th saw Bradninch travel to All Saints to play United Services Plymouth in the semi-final of the Corinthian Junior KO Cup. It proved to be a disappointing day for Bradninch and their supporters as the Plymouth side batted first and powered their way to 202-8 from their 18 8-ball overs. RT Love scored 57 and RHG Fulton hit 49 while, for Bradninch, Simon Baileys return of 3-34 from his four overs, was as good as it got. Chris Acton also claimed three wickets – his at a cost of 47 runs from his four overs and Dave Retter finished with figures of 2-29 from three overs. The Bradninch reply ended on 127 all out after 15 overs and two balls. Rob Acton, batting at six, top scored with a 26-ball 299 and the best of the rest was an unbeaten knock of 20 from the 26 balls faced by Will Dines. The full Bradninch batting effort read: M Foan (3), D Retter (12), J Freeman (9), S Bailey (1), C Acton (1), R Acton (29), M Duncan (1), T Morgan (7), W Dines (20 not out), M Kellow (0) and P May (2). D Raphael claimed figures of 3-23 for the victorious home side.
The first Monday of August saw the start of the annual BRADNINCH CRICKET WEEK with Farley visiting Bradninch. The home side batted first and a fine unbeaten 87-ball 67 from Rob Gitsham and a knock of 52 from T Morgan together with a 40-ball unbeaten 39 from number seven bat Jon Wyes, helped see Bradninch to a close of 238-5. The full Bradninch return with the bat was: M Foan (4), T Morgan (52), R Acton (29), R Gitsham (67 not out), D Retter (11), S Bastin (16), J Wyes (39 not out). The ‘did not bat’ list was: V Ebdon, D Henderson, R Miles and P May. Farley replied with 160-9. Number eight bat J Sillence scored an unbeaten 58, but the best of the rest was a contribution of 21 from A Fletcher as Phil May claimed five wickets for 26 runs from the 10 overs he sent down. Single wickets were taken by Vic Ebdon (1-34 from 8), D Retter (1-26 from six), Jon Wykes (1-16 from 3.5) and Dave Henderson (1-14 from three overs) – what’s more, the ‘Hendy’ wicket was a catch he held off his own bowling!
Old Coulsdon were the Tuesday opposition in a contest that saw the home side bat first and close on 230-6. T Morgan hit a 70-ball 78 and Dave Retter thumped a 34-ball 74 – hitting ten fours and three sixes. Derrick Foan chipped in with a 55-ball 42. D Drake took the Old Coulsdon bowling honours with a return of 3-56 from 14 overs. The touring side then replied with 216-7. N Hookway, batting at three hit a superb 105. Eight different bowlers were used by Bradninch and the respective returns were: P May (2-43 from 12), T Morgan (1-30 from six), J Wykes (0-30 from six), D French (0-42 from 4), D Henderson (0-15 from one), M Stanbury (0-18 from four), R Gitsham (1-19 from two) and D Foan (1-9 from one).
Belvedere were the midweek opposition and Bradninch again batted first, scoring 197-5 thanks, in the main, to a 73-ball unbeaten 86 from Rob Acton. Openers T Morgan (35) and Mike Foan (27) together with a knock of 27 from number five bat Mark Stanbury, also chipped in. Belvedere were then bowled out for 175 with the change bowlers doing the damage. Mark Stanbury, the third change, returned the pick of the figures with 4-28 from six overs. Second change Roger Miles posted 2-21 from six while fourth change Jon Wykes had figures of 2-21 from four overs.
The Thursday of CRICKET WEEK saw a match between BCC and Presidents XI. Bradninch batted first and closed on 177-9 40 overs. Jim Foat bowled unchanged for the Presidents XI with ‘Foaty’ finishing with figures of 4-54 from those 20 overs. Bill Wells, who opened the bowling with Foat, returned figures of 2-12 from four overs and second change Rob Gitsham had a return of 2-50 from his seven overs. John Wykes (0-51 from seven) was the fourth bowler used by the Presidents XI. The Bradninch batting returns were: D French (1), M Foan (6), T Morgan (14), P May (4), W Dines (33), C Acton (54 not out), R Acton (23), D Retter (14), M Stanbury (2), D Harvey (0) and M Kellow (4 not out). The reply saw the Presidents XI claim a seven wicket win on180-3 thanks to an imperious 61-ball unbeaten 66 from Jim Foat and a 43-ball unbeaten 58 from M Boyle – Foat and Boyle adding 122 for the unbroken fourth wicket. The others to bat for the Presidents XI were: D Foan (11), W Wells (28), J McKinnell (1). Those who did not bat were: M Joyner, S Bastin, S Joyner, K Oldfield, J Wykes and R Gitsham. The bowling returns for the Bradninch XI were: T Morgan (1-37 from eight), D Retter (1-18 from five), P May (0-29 from eight), W Dines (0-31 from six), M Kellow (0-21 from 2), M Stanbury (0-15 from 2) and D French (0-19 from 2).
The final game of CRICKET WEEK was the annual visit from Stapleton and Bradninch batted first, closing on 152-9. T Sharp, batting at number nine, top scored with an unbeaten 39. Vic Ebdon, who opened the innings with T Morgan, scored 28 and last man, Phil May, hit an unbeaten 20. D Bonehill claimed a three wicket haul for the visitors who replied with 154-7 to seal a three wicket win. K Hart top scored with 45. The pick of the bowling returns was the 3-38 from T Morgan while Vic Ebdon (2-31), Phil May (1-40) and M Kellow (1-25) also claimed wickets.
Brixham were the visitors to Bradninch on Saturday, August 12th for a Devon League game and Derrick Foan was the star of the home batting show, top scoring with a 105-ball 75. John McKinnel (33) and John Freeman (30) chipped in as Bradninch closed their 46 overs on 204-7. The others involved were Chris Hatherley (1), T Morgan (0), D Retter (16), M Butler (12), Simon Bailey (9 not out) and Chris Acton (5 not out). The two not to bat were Will Dines and Phil May. Dave Thomas (4-80 from 16 overs) was the best of the Brixham bowling returns and then the home bowlers restricted the visitors to 156-5. R Dunn hit an unbeaten 71 for the batting side while the Bradninch bowling returns were: Chris Acton (1-24 from 10), Simon Bailey (0-51 from 17), Will Dines (2-29 from 5), Chris Hatherley (1-26 from 11) and Phil May (0-19 from 3).
The following day the Bradninch Sunday XI travelled to Chudleigh where they batted first and closed on 191-7. John McKinnell top scored with a 56-ball 54 and Rob Acton chipped in with a 30-ball unbeaten 38 and Simon Bailey, batting at number eight, scored a 17-ball 26. D Wiilliams (4-26) and P Boothroyd (3-76), were the principle wicket takers for the home side who replied with 152-8. F Sercombe (71) scored almost half the Chudleigh runs while, from the Bradninch bowlers the returns were led by Chris Acton with an impressive return of 6-49 from 20 overs. Chris Hatherley claimed the other two wickets at a cost of 33 from the 11 overs he sent down.
On Monday, August 14, a game took place at Kensham Park between BRADNINCH MEN and BRADNINCH LADIES. The men batted first and M Clarke top scored with 31 before he retired. Mike Foan, batting at number eight, scored 29 and the other double figure batting contributions were from C Cliff (16) and Dave Retter (13). The other batters for the Men’s XI were: David Brady (8), Keith Selby (0), Dave Henderson (0), Graham Dowrick (0), Mike Kellow (5), Craig Hawkins (9) and Rob Gitsham (3 not out). In terms of the Ladies XI bowling returns – they were: K Clarke (3-28), A Cook (0-22), K Kellow (1-6), M Dowrick (0-10), C Foan (0-8), J Dowrick (0-14), A Beddows (0-13), C Acton (0-7), P Ebdon (1-7) and O Foat (0-4). When the Ladies XI batted they were able to claim victory, reaching 121-7. Olly Foat led the successful run chase with a score of 30. K Kellow (21) and C Acton (20), chipped in. The other Ladies’ batting contributions were: A Beddows (7), A Cook (14), C Clarke (13), C Foan (3), J Cliff (2), C Henderson (3 not out). For the Men’s XI bowling, there were single wickets for M Foan, M Kellow, D Retter and R Gitsham.
The day after the Men versus Ladies contest there was a Tuesday home meeting with Old Simmarians who batted first and closed on134-9 after 27 overs and one ball. J Osmand (51), top scored and A May chipped in with 39. T Morgan opened the bowling for Bradninch and returned figures of 5-39 and the other wickets to fall were shared between J Peters, N Hartshorn and D Retter. Bradninch sealed a four wicket win on 136-6 thanks to 63 from opener Del French. Others to bat were: N Hartshorn (4), R Gitsham (18), M Foan (11), R Acton (18), K Oldfield (0), D Brady (0), D Henderson (5 not out). The three ‘did not bats’ were: D Retter, T Morgan and P May.
Plympton were the opposition for a home league game on August 19 and the visitors batted first and were bowled out for 136 in two balls shy of their allotted 46 overs. Simon Bailey bowled unchanged for a superb return of 6-57 from 22.4 overs. Chris Hatherley had figures of 3-37 from nine overs and the only other bowler used was Chris Acton (1-28 from 14). Derrick Foan led what was ultimately a successful run chase; the winning line being crossed at 136-4 after 40 overs and four balls. Foan ended unbeaten on a 116-ball 57 while M Duncan, batting at number six, was unbeaten on 39. Foan and Duncan added 70 for the unbroken fifth wicket.
A trip to Filleigh saw the home side bat first and were bowled out for 129. Only G Tucker (38) and D Foster (26) made any impression with the bat while the Bradninch bowling returns were: Rob Gitsham (4-35 from 8.5 overs), P May (3-24 from 12), T Morgan (2-33 from 16), C Hawkins (1-12 from 2) and D Harvey (0-22 from 3). 10-man Bradninch were then bundled out for just 38 in one ball short of 21 overs. Mike Foan opened the innings and top scored with 24 after which no other Bradninch batter managed to get into double figures. Indeed, aside of the Foan 24, the ‘best of the rest’ was the not out four scored by number 10 bat Phil May. The other runs that were scored came from: Craig Hawkins (3), T Morgan (1) and Dave Henderson (1). There were five ducks with those being: R Merrifield, David Brady, Sid Bastin and Rob Gitsham. The Filleigh bowling returns – there were just two of them – C Hutchings (5-21 from 10.5 overs) and G Tucker (4-13 from 10).
The final Saturday of August saw Feniton provide the ‘away’ action they batted first and were bowled out for 93 in 47.5 overs. J Virgin (26), G Tucker (24), P Farmer (13) and H Sharp (10), were the only Feniton batters to reach double figures as Paul Nott (4-25 from 13 overs), Chris Hatherley (3-18 from 9.5 overs) and Simon Bailey (3-17 from 8 overs) did the damage for Bradninch who then closed out a four wicket win on 94-6. John McKinnell (18), John Freeman (15), Chris Hatherley (13) and Derrick Foan (13) were the principle scorers. R Witton (3-28 from 9.3) was the most successful home bowler.
Exmouth visited Bradninch on the final Sunday of August and bowled Bradninch out for 184 in 38.1 overs. John Freeman (39), Dave Retter (24), Mark Stanbury (23) and Rob Gitsham (20), were the principle run getters. J Barnes returned figures of 5-49 from a dozen overs for Exmouth who then romped to a six wicket win inside 35 overs thanks to an unbeaten 90 from A Baggs. Phil May (2-17 from 10) was the most successful of the home bowlers in that Exmouth reply of 185-4.
The first Saturday of September saw Kingsbridge provide the Kensham Park opposition. The visitors batted first and were bowled out for 98 in 37.3 overs. C Clark, batting at number eight top scored with 24. T Morgan (4-37 from 16), Simon Bailey (3-37 from 14), Chris Hatherley (2-10 from 4.3) and Dave Retter (0-10 from 3) saw to the home bowling effort. Bradninch wrapped up an eight wicket win thanks to an unbeaten 36 from John McKinnell and an unbeaten 25 from Chris Hatherley.
On Sunday, September 3, Bradninch entertained Exmouth Raleigh who batted first and powered their way to 231-2 from the 40 overs that the home bowlers sent down. The visitors had two centurions in their ranks with R Everett hitting an unbeaten 108 and RP Davis scored an unbeaten 100 – the pair putting on 212 runs for the unbroken third wicket. Phil May (1-56 from 11) and T Morgan (1-19 from 7) were the only home bowlers to enjoy success. In the Bradninch reply, openers Mike Foan (41) and T Morgan (60), put on 105 for the first wicket. Rob Gitsham (4), Phil May (2), Dave Harvey (2), C Cliff (2), Sid Bastin (10), Dave Henderson (16), David Brady (0) and Kevin Brown (0 not out) were the other home batters to see action in an all out total of 181. P Barlow claiming figures of 5-59 from 16 overs and five balls.