MILES Dalton, who has been number 11 in the Sidmouth batting order for most of the season, made the most of his elevation to open, with 73 in Saturday’s win over Weymouth, writes John Goodwin.

The Fort Field side totalled 266-5 in the 40 overs with Dalton partnering Graham Munday, who made 51, in an opening stand of 107.

Will Murray’s departure without scoring provided only temporary respite for Weymouth as Fionn Wardrop helped himself to a half century.

Luke Bess chipped in with 19 and brother Zach 20 not out as the Dorset side struggled for containment.

Bruce Robson, who opened the bowling with Murray, began with a wide but took a wicket in his first over. The reply hit real problems around the 50 mark with three wickets falling in the space of five runs as Murray and Robson completed their spells with wickets and Saj Patidar snared the first of his four victims.

Weymouth never recovered and were all out for 116. Declan Lines, Josh Bess and Dan Powell led the run scoring as Sidmouth totalled 250-9 against Belstone on Sunday.

Lines, 74, and Powell, 34, out on 53 for the first wicket and although Belstone took three wickets in quick succession, Bess ensured there would be no collapse with 70.

Zach Bess tore into the Belstone line-up, taking 5-17 as the visitors were dismissed for 85, Graham Munday joining the fray with 3-16 in two overs.

The cricket season at the Fort Field concludes this weekend with Claverham the final visitors on Sunday.

After Plymouth Civil Service pulled out of the scheduled Saturday fixture efforts were being made this week to find fresh opposition.