Sidmouth II were beaten on the finla delivery of a thrilling Fort Field game in their latest Francis Clark Devon League game.

WITH their last pair at the crease, Paignton struck four off the final ball of the match to clinch the 2nd XI clash with Sidmouth at the Fort Field.

Their innings had ebbed and flowed as they chased 164 to win in a game shortened by rain to 35 overs.

Having their visitors at 26-4, Sidmouth looked poised to return to winning ways, but something of recovery took the Paignton score to 85 before the fifth wicket fell.

A crucial stand of 71 between the experienced Tim Ward and Mark Griffiths swung the game Paignton’s way, but this pair were out to consecutive balls in the penultimate over sent down by Greg Chaplin.

Ward went for a six and was caught on the boundary for 67.

The batsmen crossed as the ball was in the air and Griffiths repeated the dose next ball to be out for 39 and make it 156-7.

Chaplin was to take a third wicket in the over before the score had advanced to put the match on a knife edge.

Mark Jasper bowled Paignton’s number nine with the second ball of the final over to make it 157-9.

Singles were scrambled off the next three deliveries, meaning Paignton needed four off the final ball to win. Jasper dropped short on leg stick and the ball was helped on its way to the boundary by Chris Smith.

Sidmouth’s innings was based round 73 made at opener by Will Sobczak. He was fourth man out at 140.

Graham Munday made 24 and Dan Powell 13 not out at a run a ball to see the home side to what was, in the conditions, a respectable total.

Sidmouth are in third place in the 2nd XI Premier division table and a visit to leaders Plymouth tomorrow gives them the opportunity to close the gap.

There are currently 23 points between the teams.