Sidmouth thirds suffered an 87-run defeat when they went down at home to Shobrooke Park 2nds at Newton Poppleford.

Sidmouth thirds suffered an 87-run defeat when they went down at home to Shobrooke Park 2nds at Newton Poppleford.

The Mid Devon side batted first and enjoyed what were ideal batting conditions, closing on an imposing 257-5.

It was the father-and-son Fowler combination who accounted for all five of the visiting wickets with Fowler junior – Jordan – claiming 2-38 from his nine overs while dad Rob took 2-36 from his five overs and Jordan also played a leading role in the only other wicket taken – a run-out.

The Sidmouth reply was dominated by two batsmen – the only two home players into double figures as they were bowled out for just 111 in 41.3 overs.

Opener Miles Dalton scored 76 from 107 deliveries and Dale Gibson, batting at number six, came to the wicket with the reply on 63-4, joined Dalton, and the pair took the total to 152 before Dalton finally fell. Gibson was seventh man out for a 52-ball offering of 49, but the ‘best of the rest’ were knocks of eight by number nine bat Luke Raistrick and last man John Goodwin.

The thir team are again in Newton Poppleford action on Saturday (July 22) when they entertain Bradninch 2nds.