A below par batting display ultimately set Sidmouth on the path to a disappointing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare in the Premier Division of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Sidmouth have been excellent over the first half of the season and entered the game within catching distance of the top three, but the loss of Sam Elstone for five and dangerman Bryce Parsons for a duck left them toiling on 24-2, and then 29-3.

Captain Luke Bess compiled a patient 51 to settle the innings alongside Taylor Ingham-Hill (38) but the tail refused to wag, and a final total of 164 all out never looked enough.

Tom Simmons did make an early breakthrough with the ball but a superb partnership of 93 gave Bradninch the required platform. They only lost two wickets in total, with Ross Acton bashing an unbeaten 105 from 78 balls.

Sidmouth travel to Paignton this weekend, where a win would bring them back into the title-chasing mix.

In C Division East, Ottery St Mary just got over the line in a dramatic game with Heathcoat 2nds. The visitors batted first and recovered from 46-3 to reach a total of 245-6.

The Ottery reply was led by a fine 76 from Alex Clements but the regular loss of wickets took it down to the number 10 and 11, who just got the Otters over the line with four balls to spare. Ottery have a local derby at Exmouth 2nds on Saturday.

A top bowling display from Sidmouth 2nds gave them a comfortable seven-wicket success at Shobrooke Park in the same division. Sidmouth dismissed their hosts for just 138 and reached the target with the loss of only three wickets.

The wait for a win continues for Sidbury in E Division East, despite a battling display at home to Chardstock. Billy Collin (47) top-scored in Sidbury’s total of 144, while the Paget boys (Alex and Oliver) both took a brace of wickets in the reply, but Chardstock had enough in the tank to win by five wickets.