With Sidbury’s scheduled opponents, Swindon United, cancelling at late notice, Newton Poppleford came to the rescue to field a side and, unlike just seven days before, this match day the sun shone brightly leaving Millfield pitch to look an absolute picture!

The Popples won the toss, elected to bat and made the most of ideal batting conditions.

With the score board ticking over at a rapid rate Sidbury began to despair with regard to a breakthrough and so turned to the ever-reliable Simon Rowe and once again he delivered the goods!

Two quick Rowe dismissals stemmed the tide in run scoring terms and also exposed the Newton Poppleford middle order.

However, one of the Popples openers stayed in charge of proceedings and he eased his way to a terrific half century guiding his side to what looked a formidable score for the 30-over innings.

Sidbury rang the changes with their bowling and wickets fell, albeit at the opposite end to the opening bat!

Windy Miller, Olly Paget, Chris Fitzhenry, Steve Crick and Dave Higgs all made good contribution with the ball and, at the close, Newton Poppleford were 206-9 with their opener carrying his bat throughout the 30 overs for a magnificent unbeaten 134!

The Sidbury reply was solid. Early runs were contributed by Miller and Crick, and were followed by a fluent 38 from Ben Pollard and useful and stylish runs from Phil Grove.

At the halfway point of the run chase all was not lost, but the run rate began to creep to the 10-runs-per-over mark leaving the hosts staring down the barrel of defeat.

Olly Paget and Simon Rowe joined forces to take the attack back to the Newton Poppleford bowlers. They added a quick-fire 50 before both fell in quick succession and the innings closed on a creditable 160.

This Saturday (June 4) Sidbury entertain touring side Not the MCC.