BOVEY Tracey’s worries at the bottom of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division were increased by an eight-wicket drubbing at Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

While Sandford were defeating Cornwood by 118 runs in the first-versus-third date at Oak Park, second-placed Bradninch & Kentisbeare were skittling lowly Bovey Tracey for just 115. The run chase occupied fewer than 24 overs.

Yurvaj Singh (4-22) and Ross Acton (2-23) ripped out Bovey’s top order as they slumped to 19 for four in the ninth over.

Lewis Hammett and Sam Harvey (19) got the running total up to 33 for five before Acton split them up.

Hammett was still there at the end unbeaten on 46. Seb Ansley (13) was the only other batter to reach double figures. Mitch Pugh (2-35) sent him back.

Pugh (46) and Tim Piper (34) gave B&K a 75-run start that ended any question about the outcome.

Dan Hardy (14) and Singh (8) were the not-out batsmen when business ended early for the day. Ansley and Charlie Hill had a wicket each.

For Bovey it means another week in the bottom two, where they are already 16 points away from safety.

Toby Codd, said only one top-end batter got on top of the bowling, which was not enough.

“Bradninch bowled well and put us under pressure early on,” said Codd.

“Lewis Hammett batted really well for his 46 and showed everyone how to bat in that situation.

“I thought we bowled pretty well, but didn't get many rewards.

We've got a massive couple of weeks coming up (Sidmouth and Paignton) and need to pick ourselves up quickly.”

Meanwhile Ed Smout-Cooper's tenure as Abbotskerswell skipper got off to a disappointing start with a 98-run defeat by Torquay & Kingskerswell.

Nick Watkin stepped down as. captain following the loss at Thorverton seven days earlier.

Hopes of an upturn in fortunes with a new hand on the tiller failed to materialise and Abbots remain where they have been since week two: anchored to the foot of the table.

Nathan Roux went in for T&K at 31 for one and was still there at the end on 134 in a Torquay total of 267 all out.

Roux, who hit 18 fours and two sixes, put on 64 with skipper Harry Passenger (30), 49 with Blaise Baker (15) and 46 with new signing Rio Koyikkara, whose contribution was eight runs.

The Singh brothers – Inder (3-35) and Par (3-54) – were Abbots leading wicket takers.

Abbots’ target was reduced to 226 from 36 overs due to a rain interruption – and they got nowhere near it!

An early going over from Somerset Academy scholar Baker (3-16) reduced Abbots to 25 for three. Tom Heath (45), James Tyler (22) and Watkin (19) gave the scoreline some respectability. Time ran out for Abbots on 126 for seven.