Tipton batted first at Clyst St George on Saturday. Phil Tolley with a cautious 79 held the innings together and with Adam Gibbins shared an opening partnership of 41, but John Rodgers with a dogged 10 in a partnership of 53 for the 3rd wicket enabled Tipton to set a target of 154. Chris Tubbs and Chris Mason shared a breezy stand at the end of the innings.

That total was never likely to be enough for the young league players of Clyst, but Tipton bowled and fielded well. Veterans Rodgers and O’Higgins only conceded 18 runs each off their respective five overs. Clyst reached their target with seven overs to spare, winning by six wickets.

On Sunday, Tipton entertained neighbours Newton Poppleford. The teams played for an inaugural Ken Baker trophy, in memory of a Tipton founder member. Invited to bat, Tipton found scoring difficult against a fine attack led by House and Thomas who conceded just 16 runs between them in the first 12 overs. The only partnership of note was ended when Collins was caught by Clay for 12 in 77 minutes and when House took a good catch to dismiss Phil Tolley for 27 the writing was on the wall. An even better catch by House saw the end of Paul Williamson off Alex Raistrick who polished of the long tail of Tipton with figures of 5-11.

In reply, Newton Pop could afford to take their time. Coombes with 24 and Alex Raistrick 31not out ensured the target was reached for the loss of just two wickets and with 16 overs to spare. Paul Williamson bowled well, conceding just 13 runs off eight overs

Ken Baker’s widow Sheila presented Kenny Clay with the trophy which Tipton will have to play better next year to get back!