A superb innings from Nick Mansfield enabled Sidmouth to claim what had looked for some time an unlikely victory and maintain their status as Tolchards Devon league 2nd XI Premier Division leaders.

Paignton batted first and had 39 on the board when a Daley Holmes catch off the bowling of Nick Mansfield broke the opening partnership. Two more wickets fell before the score board clicked to a three figure score, but the middle order boosted the tally, easing the side past 150.

However, from 163-5 the second half of the Paignton innings was nondescript at best! They lost their last five 3wickets for 40 runs to be bowled out got 203.

Daley Holmes (2-47), Toby Seldon (2-39) and Dec Lines (2-9) all had braces of wickets and there was one each for Mansfield and Thomas Simmons plus two runs outs attributed to Gregg Chaplin and Robbie Powell.

The Sidmouth run chase suffered an early blow when Lines was caught with the total on 18. Anthony Dewer and Matt Hewer took the score to 79 when the former fell for 34. Like Paignton, Sidmouth reached three figures for the loss of three wickets, but they then suffered a calamitous middle order collapse!

In the space of three overs four wickets were lost and Sidmouth were suddenly a troubled 124-7.

Number nine bat, teenager Thomas Simmons joined Nick Mansfield and the pair began to bat their side back into the game.

They had added 36 when the youngster was caught for a splendid 22-ball knock of 15. It left Sidmouth requiring another 35 to win from the final six overs. Joe Griffiths joined Mansfield and the latter saw his side to a two wicket win, unbeaten on a superb run-a-ball 61 having hit five fours and two sixes. Griffiths was not out four and victory was sealed with one complete over to go!