Devon Cricket Board - Piper seeks positives

Piper seeks positives

BRADNINCH captain Tim Piper won’t be dwelling unhappily or for long on the 70-run defeat by leaders Sidmouth that left his side sharing a Premier relegation slot with North Devon.
Piper had hoped there would be a carry forward from the previous week’s win over Budleigh Salterton, which got Bradninch of the mark for 2013.
It wasn’t to be though as Sidmouth made 226 all out with 15 balls to go – veteran Anthony Griffiths hitting a top score of 55 – then held Bradninch to 156 for nine in reply.
Second-bottom is not a great place to be, although Piper is confident Bradninch won’t be there for long.
“The season starts again for us from this Saturday against Cornwood,” said Piper.
“We feel we have four of the easier games now and it's a good chance to pick up some of the points that we need.”
How Cornwood (A), North Devon (A), Exeter (H) and Torquay (H) feel about being classed as easier opposition remains to be seen.
And as Bradninch lost to Torquay in the Devon Cup on Sunday, Piper may be being just a little premature. Time will tell.
Griffiths came in at one for three after Paul Nott bowled Matt Cooke and batted through to 148 for six when Will Squire (2-49) had him caught behind.
Nott (4-24) had already picked off Cooke, Liam Lewis, Josh Bess and Luke Bess by them.
Peter Randerson, the former Heathcoat and Sandford keeper-batter, then thumped 45 as Sidmouth kept going.
Harrison Jones (29) and Scott Barlow (27) helped in the bottom half of the order.
Bradninch started slowly with Barlow (3-56) accounting for openers Dan Hardy and James Street in a running total of 16 for two.
Jackson Thompson provided some get up and go with 44 off 22 balls and Piper made 25 in a stand of 54 for the third wicket. That was as good as it got for Bradninch.
Will Murray (10-6-7-2) and Lewis (3-23) turned the screw and only Bryn Jones (29no) made much impression as Bradninch slowed.
For Sidmouth that’s four out of four now, which lowly North Devon to come this Saturday.
Skipper Will Murray said it was Sidmouth’s strength in depth that saw them through against Bradninch.
“To get 226 when we had been 153 for seven was a good effort and Scott Barlow deserves credit for a good innings which helped us post a competitive total,” said Murray.
“When Jackson Thompson started scoring quickly for Bradninch you worry a bit, but once we got him I couldn’t see Bradninch getting close.”

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