Sidmouth II undertook, and achieved, a challenging chase as they racked up a 19-point haul from a six wicket victory at Paignton II.

The hosts won the toss and opted to bat. Dominic Bess, fresh from duty with Somerset 2nds opened the bowling with his off-spin and soon had the pace of the game under his control.

Nick Mansfield bowled from the other end and the pair found the edge of the bat a number of times, but without any success in terms of wicket taking.

Fionn Wardrop replaced Bess and his very first delivery bought a wicket!

Matt Hewer then affected a smart run-out with some slick fielding.

Hewer then showed safe hands to help Chris Collings claim a wicket.

The home team continued to see the board tick over to a close of 228-8.

Sidmouth openers Hewer and Saj Patidar made a composed and confident start putting on 97 for the first wicket before Patidar fell for a fine 57.

Hewer continued to add runs at a regular rate, this despite nursing a broken bat!

The required increased tempo came from the bat of Dan Powell who made an attractive 34 from just 25 balls before Dom Bess took charge and stroked his way to a classy unbeaten 33 from just 26 deliveries.

Hewer and Dec Lines fell in consecutive balls with just four overs remaining and Sidmouth still 20 runs shy of their target.

Anthony Dibble eased nerves as he cannoned 18 balls from just the nine deliveries he faced to see Sidmouth home.

Dom Bess received the Jazzy award for man of the match.

Tomorrow the 2nd XI will look to maintain their top status in the 2nd XI Premier Division when they entertain fourth placed Sandford II.

The Fortfield men go into the game with a three point lead over second place Exeter II who entertain fifth placed Paignton II.