Sidbury took on The Geriatrics this Sunday, an Exeter based side as the name suggests boasting plenty of evergreen cricketers with bags experience and know-how, writes Simon Rowe.

The Geriatrics won the toss and elected to bat in the 35 over contest, not necessarily banking on the youthful speed and pace of Barney Stone, who bowled exceptionally well getting plenty of bounce and lift on a well prepared wicket.

At the other end Steve Crick quickly found his line and length which also made it difficult for the away team to score quickly during the first ten overs.

Sidbury opening pair managed to dislodge a couple of wickets, which made way for a couple of The Geriatrics stroke makers to come to the wicket.

A very fast outfield making sure the batting side got full value for any attacking shots.

The visiting team ending up posting 195 in their 35 overs, special mention must also go to left arm seam bowler Rob Bolton taking three wickets in his very tidy spell during the middle of the innings, including bowling their best batsmen with a fine delivery which clipped the top of middle stump splitting the bail in half as it powered through.

Sidbury who have chased down similar totals this season at the Millfield, made a rapid start with Rex Harrison striking a couple of fierce blows in the first over to get the home side off to a great start.

Sidbury sadly lost one or two wickets batting positively, but unfortunately finding fielders, Barney Stone came to the wicket and again played some beautiful shots before finally getting bowled by one of the Geriatrics reliable and accurate seamers.

After the flying start, the tight bowling meant that Sidbury gradually fell behind the run rate and wickets began to tumble.

Though some stern resistance from Martin Miller and birthday boy Dave Higgs meant that Sidbury eased past the 100 mark and kept Sidbury in the contest.

Although Sidbury finally came up short, it was an enjoyable afternoons cricket.

Sidbury have just two games left in their season one away to Kenn on September 15 and the final game will be a September 22 meeting at home to Ottery.