POOR batting on a stodgy pitch meant Sidmouth 2nd XI failed to pass the 119 they dismissed Cornwood for, writes John Goodwin.

It seemed the visitors had done a reasonable job by bowling their hosts out so cheaply, although they were to regret the 29 wides sent down when they lost by 22 runs.

The day could not have started better for Sidmouth when Mark Jasper had Duncan Boase caught by Alistair Chilcott from his first delivery.

Chilcott was to enjoy similar success with his first ball to make it 5-2 with both openers dismissed for golden ducks.

The combination of good bowling and a slow pitch made runs hard to come by and 26 for Cornwood’s third wicket was the best stand of the day.

Chilcott swept away the tail, clean bowling three victims, to finish with 5-33 as the home side were all out in the 36th over.

But it proved a far from routine run chase for Sidmouth, despite reaching 41 for the loss of one wicket as Matt Hewer’s patience proved ideal for the conditions.

Having survived a confident run-out appeal, he was out for 17 and from then on no-one could muster double figures, Henry Bennett proving Sidmouth’s nemesis with 6-29.