Bradninch & Kentisbeare secure Premier Division title with dominant win

Bradninch & Kentisbeare wrapped up their title-winning season with a workmanlike five-wicket win over Exeter.

The Devon Cricket League Premier Division title was already secured going into the final round of fixtures – and league official Pete Avery made it official by presenting the champions’ trophy to B&K skipper Gary Chappell on the Kensham Park outfield prior to the game.

Exeter, who opted to bat first, managed to reach 193 all out in the 41st over of their 50 overs before running out of batsmen. The runs were knocked off with more than 20 overs to spare. In at the end were B&K captains, past and present, Tim Piper and Gary Chappell, who moved down the order in a ‘relaxed’ batting line-up.

It was Chappell’s last game as captain of Bradninch & Kentisbeare, but contrary to rumours on the Premier Division circuit, it was not his last game for the team.

“It is true I have moved to Bournemouth, but that happened a while ago and it has not stopped me travelling back to play,” said Chappell. “There may be a new captain next year, we shall see. But I plan on continuing to play a big role with the club and have no doubts we’ll be fighting at the top for a while longer.”

Reflecting on his second Premier title – he won it as captain in 2022 – Chappell said strength in depth and character had a lot to do with winning it again.

“It’s been a real team effort, with everyone contributing throughout the season, and they all deserve huge recognition,” said Chappell. “You can’t rely on just a few players to win a league, given the competitive nature of it, and some pitches and weather conditions being ‘levellers’.”

Wicket-taking was the job of Chappell (4-37) and leg-spinner Josh Farley, whose four-for-49 return took him to 36 Premier wickets for the season.