Sidmouth third eleven went down by five wickets on their visit to Chudleigh 2nds for a Tolchards Devon League B Division East game.

Sidmouth arrived at Chudleigh to find a wet, ‘green top’ pitch and skipper Dave Watkins, leading a side all under 35 years of age, lost the toss and the home skipper needed no time in asking the visitors to bat first!

Watkins opened with Sam Adams and the pair made a steady and watchful start, getting through to the eighth over when Watkins was caught for 15.

Adams was joined by Louis Adey who managed eight runs in two scoring shots, but tried one attacking shot too many and was out to a good catch.

Jordan Fowler, batting at four, joined Adams and steadied the ship, picking up singles and some twos on a pitch that was already not easy to bat before a heavy shower made batting even tougher!

Sam Adams was the next to fall, out for a watchful knock that saw him face 39 balls for his 16.

Next man in was Byron Knowles who decided attack was the only option as he and Fowler took the total 90 before Fowler got a ball that shot along the ground and bowled him for a 42-ball of 16.

Craig Stephens came to the crease at number six, but almost immediately, at the other end, Knowles was dismissed for 15.

Stephens was caught for eight and number seven bat Lee Claydon was joined by Leigh Adey and the pair added a further 16 before the unfortunate Claydon received a ‘shooter’ [the ball staying at pitch level to rap his pads], and the umpire raised his finger to send the Sidmouth batter back for 11.

Luke Raistrick joined Adey, but only lasted one delivery as he was bowled without troubling the scorer.

Next in was Devon Under-15 girl’s team wicketkeeper Cassia Anstey-Jones, who denied the bowler a hat-trick with a terrific defensive shot!

However, a few balls later Leigh Adey was sent back for seven.

Anstey-Jones was joined by last man Will Bright. A couple of extras were added before Bright was bowled and Sidmouth’s batting effort ended with 132 on the score board.

After a superb Chudleigh tea, Sidmouth skipper Watkins gave his team a splendid motivational talk before handing the new ball duties to Claydon and Knowles.

Claydon bowled with good line and accuracy, forcing the home batsmen to play every ball he sent down while, at the other end, Knowles, making a welcome return after a serious ankle injury, sent down four overs of genuine pace. However, there were too many wides sent down and the skipper turned to spinner Fowler who, in his first over, got a wicket thanks to a fine catch at slip by Leigh Adey.

With Claydon bowling maidens at the other end the pressure was building. Fowler picked up another in his second over with a catch held by wicketkeeper Sam Adams which left Fowler’s figures a hugely impressive 2-0. Chudleigh were rocking and Fowler son bagged a third wicket with Anstey-Jones holding a smart catch at point.

Claydon’s splendid nine over stint came to an end and he was so unlucky not to have a wicket in his 0-16 return.

Watkins introduced Raistrick to the attack and he, like Fowler, caused problems, picking up a couple of quick wickets.

Fowler completed his full nine to return splendid figures of 3-29 and Raistrick also bowled out (2-35).

Louis Adey and Will Bright were next into the action with the ball, but lady luck was not shine any more with Sidmouth as Chudleigh reached the winning line in the 40th over to claim a five wicket win.

On Saturday, Sidmouth III are in action at Alphignton 2nds.