Bradninch & Kentisbeare 2nd XI were emphatic 156-run winners when they entertained Topsham St James 1st XI in a Tolchards Devon League D Division East contest played at Kensham Park.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, B&K raced away with openers Jed Findlay and Will Birley putting 50 on the board inside five overs! Much of that was down to
Findlay who was ruthless in his despatching of Brian Jeary – the youngster striking three sixes and four fours in the early onslaught.
Findlay eventually fell for 47 – scored off just 28 balls, but number three bat Rich Norman went on to play a stunning knock – he was unbeaten on 96, scored from 124 balls (he rifled a dozen fours in his 154 minute stay at the wicket – when the team closed on 234-8 after their 45 overs.
One stat the 2nd XI can be so very proud of is that, after 30 overs they were seven wickets down with 153 runs on the board, with Norman still there and all that remained to come in were youngsters Josh Stewart, Lewis Coombes and Tom Kittow.
However, with the ‘older head’ of Norman and the ‘young guns’ the last 15 overs produced 81 runs for the loss of just Stewart – but not before the teenager had hit a magnificent 31-ball three boundary 20 while the youngest of them all – Lewis Coombes was not out 14 from 15 balls faced when the innings came to a close.
However, the biggest ‘shout out’ must go to Norman who was selfless with his innings – evidence of which was the fact that he was on 63 and on strike when the final over began and yet, rather than look to retain the strike in pursuit of a century he chose to run singles ‘for the greater cause’!
Topsham St James were then dismissed for 78 om 25.3 overs. Their effort with the bat did include what can only be described as ‘kamikaze’ running – there were no fewer than three run-outs, plus a ‘retired hurt’. Four other wickets were from the stumps being hit as just four bowlers were needed to complete the victory with their individual returns being: Tom Kittow (2-21 from seven overs), James Mills (1-17 from seven), Lewis Coombes (2-14 from six) WELL PLAYED WITH BAT AND BALL YOUNG MAN and Joshua Stewart (1-25 from 5.3 overs).