Sidbury took on local rivals Branscombe on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Sidbury’s Millfield ground, writes Simon Rowe.

Sidbury lost the toss and were asked bat first, in a 25-over match with some batting restrictions to ensure as many players as possible got some action. The home batsmen started strongly and kept up momentum to post a decent total of 121.

Rex Harrison made 19 whilst both Bennett and Rowe reached 25 before retiring with their wickets in tact.

The hosts’ were delighted to see three figures on the score board and to see most batsmen get a chance to have some time at the wicket.

When it was Branscombe’s time to bat they were faced with the opening bowling partnership of the two Pearce brothers, James and Mark.

The former, a left arm seamer, bowled a very accurate spell, but it was birthday boy Mark who managed to claim four wickets, returning the splendid figures of 4-18 fro five overs.

Branscombe found it tough going after losing early wickets and ultimately fell shirt of the required total.

A feature of the game was the high number of people who turned out to both enjoy the cricket, and savour the superb tea!

Next up for Sidbury is a Thursday, June 6 meeting with Ottery Brewery (6pm) and a Saturday, June 8 meeting with Not the MCC (2pm).