Sidbury were delighted to welcome back the Boffin’s, a London based Touring team. The Boffins have been touring East Devon for many years now and conveniently base themselves nearby in Sidford.

The touring side manage a weeks cricket in the region with squad members coming and going throughout the week. In previous years Sidbury have played against some of the Boffins’ more experienced tourists, but this year faced a younger crop of players.

In what was the first game of their tour, the format was an early evening Twenty20 game. The Boffins won the toss, opted to bat and made an aggressive start.

Sidbury’s opening bowlers James Pearce and Steve Crick bowled well and created a number of chances, but with little luck.

The game was played with the aim of getting all players involved, batsman retiring at 30 and bowlers not exceeding three overs each. Wickets starting to fall, but equally boundaries continued and the Boffins were starting to assemble a formidable total, ending their 20 overs with 177.

Despite the Sidbury team having a number of regulars away on holiday they still fielded a competitive side and set out to chase the big total.

Windy Miller opening the batting and soon reaching the retirement threshold, Jon Miller and Simon Rowe also exceeding 30 and helping the home side ease past 100, ensuring they were never out of the game.

With only five overs remaining Dave Higgs entered the stage and clubbed his way past 30 setting up an exciting finish. Sidbury did eventually fall short, but played its part in a great opening match for the tourists.

Sidbury have two remaining home fixtures with Sundays meeting with Seaton and finally the Memorial Game on Saturday, September 6.