Drew delights as Upottery II win well at Bradninch
Upottery II action at Bradninch - Credit: Archant
Upottery 2nd XI defied the odds to record a terrific 48-run win at Bradninch in a Tolchards Devon League match.
The villagers, facing the second eleven of a club tipped by many to regain Premier status at 1st XI level at the end of the campaign, travelled with just 10 players and then were restricted to what did look, at tea, a below-par score of 189-5.
However, that proved to be more than enough thanks to a terrific show from the bowlers with all five used claiming a wicket as the home team were bowled out for 141 in 37.4 overs.
Upottery made the worst possible start after winning the toss and opting to bat as opener Mattthew Button-Stephens was bowled for one in the second over.
However, brothers Gary and Duncan Kennard steadied things and took the total to 61 before Gary was caught for 31. Fourteen runs were added when the third wicket – Duncan Kennard for 16 - fell. It was soon 90-4 with the demise of Bruce Inglis for four. Shane Kennard joined Stuart Drew and the pair powered their side back into the game with a solid 96 run partnership, ended in the final over with the departure of Drew a run short of what would have been a richly deserved half century – Drew run out by a superb throw from Thom Bunker.
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At the close Kennard was unbeaten on 44 with Sam Bath not out three.
The home side got off to a flyer with Mark Ashplant and Thom Bunker racing to a run-a-ball 60-run partnership.
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However, a smart piece of fielding from Paul Wakefield saw Ashplant run out for 26 and next to go was the big wicket of 17-year-old Bunker who, having just hit a six, was caught next ball by Wakefield of the bowling of Shane Kennard for a 32-ballknock of 41.
Seventy-six for two after 13 overs was still a very healthy situation for the home team. But that soon became 113-5 after 25 and the wickets continued to fall with all five bowlers used picking up a wicket each, the final four being taken for the addition of just eight runs as Bradninch were bowled out for 141.
Stuart Drew completed a fine all-round shift with three wickets for 11 runs from 5.4 overs. Shane Kennard, Sam Bath, Paul Wakefield and Gary Kennard, were the other wicket takers.