Sidbury pavilion changing room window smashed as touring side claim dramatic victory.

Last Saturday morning it looked highly unlikely that there would any cricket in many parts of East Devon and certainly at Sidbury’ Millfield ground.

However the morning ran gave way to sun shine and that dried things out sufficiently to allow play in the match between Sidbury and a touring side from the South-East with the delightful name of ‘Not the MCC’.

Sidbury batted first in the 30-overs-per-sdie contest. Unsurprisingly, given the rain that had fallen the wicket was very slow and led to the downfall of some of Sidbury’s top order so such a degree that the hosts soon found themselves in trouble at 35 for four!

The slow run rate and fall of the early wickets didn’t phase Barney Stone. The youngster grabbed his change with both hands and quickly found the middle of the bat striking many meaty blows to turn the game back in Sidbury’s favour.

He went on to score his maiden fifty for the club, going on to pass his previous best individual score. He did it in style too, thumping six sixes!

He was well supported by James and Mark Pearse who themselves played some great shots and the courageous Steve Crick. The latter had been forced to retire earlier in the home innings after pulling a thigh muscle. However, when the ninth wicket fell leaving young Stone still at the crease Crick bravely returned with a runner. His act allowed Stone to reach the milestone of that maiden half century and also saw the home score to a close of 125. That total, under the conditions that made batting very difficult, was considered a highly commendable one.

After the usual splendid Sidnury tea, Not the MCC took advantage of the drying and improving conditions. They made a powerful start and, at one stage, threatened to sail their way to victory.

However, Sidbury picked up some important wickets to drag the visitors back thanks to some tight bowling from John Miller and sharp catching in particular from Windy Miller and Mark Pearse. With Steve Crick unable to take the field, it provided a chance for Sidbury’s next generation to get involved with Under-12 players Josh Miller and Archie Rowe sharing the substitute fielder responsibilities. Both youngsters did well in the field.

This pressure led to the run rate slowing significantly and putting the game back in the balance. The touring side, who had played Branscombe the previous night managed to bolster their team with a Branscombe player - making up their numbers following an unexpected injury to one their players!

It turned out that the oppositions’ last-minute replacement was a very capable batsman and it was he who, with a couple of overs remaining, launched a huge six that crashed through the changing room window to inflict a narrow defeat on the home side.

Sidbury look forward to welcoming back another touring side this coming Saturday with the visit of The Grays, a team that have toured East Devon for a number of years and have played their part in some great games in recent years at Sidbury.