Sidmouth 2nds banked 19 points from their Fortfield meeting with Sandford II.

Once again the star of the show with the bat for the home side was Matt Hewer.

As expected, after winning the toss, the visitors opted to bat first thereby exposing the home side to a lengthy spell under the blazing sun on the hottest day of the year to date.

With a flat wicket and fast outfield it was the only choice to make and, with contributions all the way down the batting order, they set Sidmouth a total of 227 for victory.

Chris Collings was the pick of Sidmouth’s attack, collecting four wickets for 49 runs from eight overs.

Miles Dalton gave good support with 2-42 and all of the bowlers contributed well in less than helpful conditions. Some good catches were held, with the best a one-handed effort at short mid-wicket by Harrison Jones.

The Creedy Park outfits total was thought to be some 40 runs under-part during tea time discussions, and so it proved as Matt Hewer continued his remarkable form in 2013, stroking his way to an unbeaten 77, passing 500 runs for the season in the process, and providing a sound base from which Dec Lines (21), Greg Chaplin (57) and Will Gater (22) could attack to see Sidmouth to a six wicket success.

It was a fine partnership of 136 for the second wicket between Hewer and Chaplin that broke the back of the chase and frustrated the opposition to the extent that they used every available player (all ten outfielders) as a bowler!

Just after reaching a deserved half century Chaplin was dismissed and Will Gater took over as Sidmouth cruised towards victory.

A couple of late wickets made little difference to the outcome and Sidmouth won with five overs to spare.

If Hewer left the field looking a little red in the face he had good reason as he had been on the pitch for the duration of the game, keeping wicket tidily during Sidmouth’s innings.

The 2nd XI stays at home next week when Cornwood are the visitors.