Sidmouth continue their pursuits of a fifth Devon Senior Cup success in seven years when they travel to Plymouth on Sunday (2pm) to contest a semi-final in this years Bookers Wholesale competition, writes Stephen Birley.

The Fortfield men are the holders having won the cup last year and they also won it in 2209, 2011 and 2102.

In the quarter-final at Bradninch they came up against a nine-man home side that they bowled out for 88 in 33.3 overs.

Five of the six bowlers used took wickets with Mile Dalton leading the way with three wickets for 21 runs from eight overs.

Andrew Mathieson sent down five overs for his 1-16 and he treated the people watching to a stunning piece of fielding when he swooped on the ball and almost threw the stumps down from 30 yards!

Scott Barlow (1-21 from 8), Jake Fawcett (1-7 from 5.3 overs) and skipper Will Murray (1-12 from six), were the other wicket takers. Jake Fawcett also held two smart slip catches.

The run chase was very much a ‘one man show’ as Nick Gingell slammed a 23-ball 68 with eight fours and four sixes. Gingell raced to a half century fro just 19 deliveries!

Matt Cooke was the only wicket to fall as he was dismissed by a catch from home wicket keeper Chris Dean off the bowling of Tim Piper with the score on 24 in the third over.

Thanks to the power of Gingell the run chase was completed in just 44 balls.

Pete Randerson (13 from eight balls) was the other not out batsman when the win was confirmed as Sidmouth waltzed into the last four of the competition and that semi-final at Plymouth.

The Tolchards Devon League title may be slipping out of their grasp, but Murray’s men still have a very firm grip on the Devon Senior Cup!