Budleigh action at Bradninch Bob Dawson hits out

Budleigh gave themselves a huge lift in terms of their Francis Clark Devon League situation with a 33-run win at Bradninch.

Batting first they were led to a total of 176-8 by James Hudson (38), Gamindu Amarasinghe (35) and skipper Joel Murphy (22no). The captain, playing despite an injury, clearly revelled in his return to his former stamping grounds with what proved to be a vitally important knock.

The home reply was seemingly in cruise control on 123-4 after 37.3 overs before an amazing sequence in 31 deliveries that saw five wickets taken for the addition of just a dozen runs. The final wicket fell soon after at 143.

All five bowlers claimed wickets in what was an excellent all-round effort with the ball. Hudson completed a fine contribution with 4-36 whilst Amarasinghe and the skipper both bagged a brace and there was a single wicket each for Charlie Morris and Matt Plowman.

The win takes Budleigh to 126 points which is 16 clear of the drop zone. Basement dwellers Heathcoat won again and they have 109 points, one fewer than Sandford who occupy the second drop spot with Torquay third bottom with 123 points. Bradninch have also been dragged into the fog-fight to avoid the drop. They sit just ten points ahead of Budleigh with four to play.

Make sure of your copy of this weeks Exmouth Journal to get the very latest on the Budleigh battle to stay up.