Sid 2nds’ title hopes take a knock

A SECOND reverse in two weeks has dented Sidmouth’s chances of regaining the Francis Clark Devon League 2nd XI Premier Division title, writes John Goodwin.

Bovey Tracey swept them aside by 82 runs to leapfrog their opponents into second place in the table, four points behind leaders Exeter.

After Nick Mansfield landed an early, but expensive wicket, Bovey got quick runs on the board, but the spin of Charlie Dibble and Dominic Bess saw them dismissed for 202 with two overs of the 50 quota left.

Dibble took 4-49 and Bess 3-61 to cause Bovey to slip from 126-2 to 169-8.

Sidmouth’s next wave of off-spin, delivered by Charlie Miles and Saj Patidar, claimed the final two wickets.

The home reply started disastrously with openers Matt Hewer and Dan Powell dismissed with one, courtesy of a no-ball, on the board.

Declan Lines was out, also without scoring, at 17 with the runs coming from Saj Patidar’s bat.

He went on to 50, watching a succession of partners depart cheaply, before being run out in a misunderstanding with Dominic Bess.

A second run out saw Bess removed and although there was a gesture of resistance from tail enders Mansfield, Fionn Wardrop and Dibble, Sidmouth were all out with 14 overs still to be bowled.

Phil Barraclough was Bovey’s most successful bowler with 4-21, but Mark Gribble turned in the tightest spell with 1-6 in eight and a half overs, six of which were maidens.

Plympton are the team’s opponents tomorrow at the Fort Field.