Devon Cricket Board - Chappell on way back to Bradninch after three year exile

Chappell on way back to Bradninch after three year exile

Gary Chappell bowling for Exmouth against Plymouth
GARY Chappell has quit Premier side Exmouth to join A Division Bradninch three years after he made the trip in the opposite direction.
Chappell, a former Bradninch captain, was seen by Exmouth as the man to lead them forward as some of their old guard reach the end of the playing days.
He led their one-day side in 2014 and 2015 – skippering Exmouth to the ECB T20 finals day at Cardiff and an appearance on Sky TV this September.
Chappell has been a Devon one-day regular for 50 and 20-over cricket during his time at Exmouth.
Exmouth’s long-serving league captain Richard Baggs stood down midway through the season, paving the way for Chappell to set his stall out for the future.
No one at Exmouth saw Chappell’s departure coming, until it was too late.
“None of us did – it is a big shock – and I am as disappointed as anyone,” said Baggs (pictured, right).
Chappell has been lured back to Kensham Park by new skipper Tim Piper, who has regained the helm from Dan Hardy after a hiatus of a season.
Piper left Bradninch in the last close-season to join Premier side Torquay, but was back at Kensham Park well before the midpoint of the season.
Piper said the pull of Bradninch was to great to resist for him and Chappell felt the same.
“Gary is a Bradninch lad in cricketing terms,” said Piper.
“There is something special about the club and it seems one never stays away too long.”
Chappell left Kensham Park pursue new challenges and he certainly achieved that, winning the Devon League and the Devon Cup before the icing on the cake, which was the ECB T20 finals day at Cardiff.
“I always said one day I would return to Bradninch as I have a lot of friends at the club and enjoyed my time there,” said Chappell.
“I have had three great years at Exmouth and have achieved as much as I could have hoped for, individually and as a team member.
“Winning the Premier Division and Devon Cup in my first year was brilliant, but getting to the ECB National T20 finals last season was definitely the highlight of my time at Exmouth.
“That finals day experience at Cardiff is probably the biggest single reason I have made this decision now as it’s clear that that is an achievement I feel cannot be beaten.”
Chappell stressed his decision to leave Exmouth was no reflection on the club but part of his own cricket journey.
“Everyone at Exmouth has been excellent making me feel part of the club and made my time there so enjoyable,” said Chappell.
“I would like to thank them all for everything, and I wish them all the best for the coming season and the future.
“Exmouth are a great club and it's one of the best places in Devon to play club cricket.
“For me it's time to look forward and I'm very excited to be back at Bradninch and I am keen to help them achieve their ultimate goal of getting back into the Premier Division.
“That is not going to be easy and will require a lot of hard work, but I have no doubt we have the players to compete at the top and achieve promotion in what is a special year for the club.”
Bradninch CC celebrate their 125th year in 2016 and the presence of Chappell should make them more competitive throughout the campaign than they were in 2015, when they were not that far off the promotion places at the end of the season.
Derrick Foan, the Bradninch chairman, said of Chappell’s return: “This is absolutely brilliant news.
“Gary was an integral part of the club before leaving and now adds even more, having had three successful years with Exmouth.”
Exmouth now find themselves looking for a new captain, which they hadn’t expected.
Baggs said he may consider a caretaker role, but was by no means certain.
He added; “Nothing is decided yet and things won’t become clear until we have a players meeting later this month.”

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