Welcoming Long Compton Cricket Club to the hallowed Millfield turf for the first time, Sidbury managed to shake off a disappointing defeat to local rivals Sidmouth with a well-deserved win.

Having to cope without all-rounder Josh Reed, who was tied down by other significant athletic commitments, Sidbury fielded a strong team for their first home game of the season.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Sidbury started brightly.

Howe, making his home debut, bowled magnificently, picking up two important wickets that would set the tone for the afternoon.

Tight bowling from Paget and Fitzhenry restricted the run rate further, whilst Miller and Crick picked up a brace of wickets each to Sidbury into a controlling position at the break.

After a sensational match tea, amplified by ‘Pollard’s’ baking finesse, Sidbury went about chasing the target of 110.

However, the age-old combination of Pollard and Grove was soon broken as Sidbury struggled to make an early impression with the bat.

Mark Bishop played an instrumental role in resurrecting the run chase, playing beautifully for his 29, whilst all-rounder Olly Paget provided crucial middle-order runs (35).

After a dazzling, and perhaps even overzealous performance with the gloves, Green managed to unleash several devastating strokes that would carry Sidbury over the line.