Devon Cricket Board - Bradnich skipper has high hopes for T20 final

Bradnich skipper has high hopes for T20 final

BRADNINCH skipper Gary Chappell believes his team have what it takes to carry off the Devon T20 title at Cornwood today.

Bradninch swept aside North Devon on their way to the final with Brad Cachopa cracking a century to speed them on their way in the regional qualifier.

Cachopa is in the side one last time tomorrow as he files home to New Zealand next week to prepare for the season in Auckland.

Chappell knows Cachopa will want to go out on a high, which can only be a good thing for Bradninch’s prospects.

“I think we have the right team for this type of cricket and also the venue,” said Chappell.

“Cornwood is good for medium pacers and spinners, which we are well covered for in our bowling attack.

“Our batting seems to be firing at just the right time – Brad’s last three hits have been two tons and a 50, I have 250 in the last few games and Tim Piper and Ross Acton are getting their 20s and 30s – so I have to fancy us.

“Bovey Tracey are dangerous in this form of cricket as they are a team of sloggers.

“We have to get past Plymouth first and if we can do that I think we can go on to wi the competition.”

Will Squire and Matt Jarrett come into the match-day squad for finals day as Paul Nott is unavailable and Sean Novak is ruled out by competition rules.

Although South African Novak played in all the qualifying rounds in the Mid-Devon regional tournament, the ECB rules are a harsher for finals.

“The final is run under ECB rules as it is a qualifier itself for their national competition,” said league secretary Geoff Coish.

“The ECB has no control over the local competitions which make up the qualifying stages, but it can say who is and isn’t eligible in theirs. Only one overseas player is allowed – and there are no EU exemptions, unlike the Devon League.’

Bovey Tracey are in the same boat as they have two overseas players – Zaid Joseph and Danny Childs – and can only play one of them.

Joseph makes way, which means a call up for Sam Wyatt-Haines.

Bovey treat T20 cricket as something to be enjoyed, which is probably why they have been in three of the last four finals days.

Skipper Peter Bradley sees no reason to change that approach, although they won’t be going just to make up the numbers.

“It is a fun day and we will be playing in that spirit,” said Bradley.

“Twenty20 cricket does fit nicely with the approach of most of our team though and if a couple of batters like Nick Seager or Ben Ayres come off you never know what might happen.”

Plymouth see the competition as a chance to make up for a patch season in the league – and are extra motivated by a previous near miss.

“We have two chances to resurrect our season – this and the Devon KO Cup – and will be aiming to take them,” said skipper Callum Whittaker.

“We were runners-up last year and I feel we are a better T20 side this term!

“Qualifying for the finals we have put in some superb performances and all the lads are confident we can go close again to winning the T20 title for the first time.”
Sunday’s running order is Exmouth v Bovey Tracey (10.30am), Plymouth v Bradnich (1.30pm) with the final at around 5.30pm.

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