Tipton St John and Newton Poppleford met on Sunday after both teams having their respective fixtures cancelled as opposition could not raise sides.

Rain threatened this game also, but a 25 over per side match was played after players took an early tea.

Newton Poppleford dominated the match as they have done in recent years with Tipton unable to take wickets.

Isaac Thomas, Chris Anning and Tony Cox all retired after having scored 25 and it was not until the 17th over with the score on 85 that Tipton took their first wicket when Phil Wright bowled Ken Clay for nine.

David O’Higgins bowled Matt Raistrick in the next over, but Richard Coombs responded with a quick 27.

The wet ball from the returning drizzle did not help Tipton’s cause with several catches going down. Tom Birch took two late wickets as Newton Poppleford ended their innings on 139-4.

Tipton were soon in trouble with only David Thayre and David Dawson reaching double figures.

As the sun came out, so did the Tipton batsmen in quick succession. At the mid-innings point, they were 44-5 due to accurate bowling from Luke Raistrick, Ben Stone and Phil Hunter.

David Thayre held the innings together with 27 not out, but Chris Davis chipped in with two late wickets to leave Tipton on 82-9 at the close.

This coming weekend (June 10 and 11), Tipton embark on their annual tour to Cornwall. Here’s hoping for better weather!