CLYST Hydon continued their preparations for the Devon indoor cricket finals on February 6 with another massive score in the East Devon League, making 195-4 against their second string, to follow the 199 made the previous week.

Three players retired and returned to the crease, Chris Jelley going on to make 63 not out and Simon Holmes 59. Ian Sutton made 28 and Graham Trude 20 before being one of the few cricketers ever to be given out obstructed the field.

Clyst Hydon II made a respectable 120-3 in reply, Paul Garnham making 42 not out, Heffin Wood 32 and Chris Morgan 28.

Sidmouth’s Anthony Griffiths made probably the quickest 25 in the history of the league, retiring before the first over against Newton Poppleford was completed. He took advantage of George House sending down a succession of no-balls which he crashed back to the boundary.

With Charlie Miles, Miles Dalton and Dan Powell also making 25s and Declan Lines not out 23 at the close, Sidmouth reached 171-1. John House made 23 in Newton Poppleford’s reply of 68-5.

Exmouth got a flying start against Ottery St Mary, Julian Page and Richard Arnold propelling them to 80-0 after six overs. A clatter of wickets saw the opening pair back at the crease in the 10th over to see their side up to 130-5, Page reaching 45 not out and Arnold 37. Duncan Bradshaw Smith and George Biggs took two wickets each.

Ottery were soon behind the clock and both openers were out by the fourth over. James Faulkner, with 19, and Rob Bradshaw Smith, with 20, delayed the inevitable, but Ottery were dismissed for 85 in the 11th over.

Tipton got behind the rate chasing 140 made by Newton St Cyres after losing two wickets in the first two overs. Dickie Dawson and Craig O’Higgins halted the decline with retirement scores, but the run rate was always climbing.

Both returned to the crease after wickets fell in the cause for runs – O’Higgins was eventually run out for 35 and Dawson finished unbeaten on 35 as Tipton reached 105-5.