On a day of high drama in C Division East of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, Sidmouth 2nds fell just two runs short in a brave chase for victory at Uplyme & Lyme Regis CC.

A clever run out from Miles Lewis removed home opener Mark Batey for one, while Connor O’Shea, Tom Hodgson and Byron Knowles got rid of the rest of the top order.

Uplyme skipper Sam Farrow proved a more difficult proposition and he smashed an impressive 13 boundaries in a fluent 77, eventually falling to a Lewis catch from the bowling of Knowles, who finished with figures of 2 for 39.

The total of 238/6 was tough but achievable, although Sidmouth suffered a poor start and were toiling on 23/2. Taylor Ingham-Hill then came to the crease and manufactured a sublime innings of 121 from 92 balls, including a superb 20 fours.

However, when he fell Sidmouth were left with a last-ditch fight for the win and lost their final wicket in the final over, two runs shy on 236.

Sidmouth 3rds had better luck and made a swift start with the ball against Bradninch 2nds, Jack Rattenbury removing opener Paul Nott for one, Ben Crane taking the catch. Jordan Biss added 20 for the visitors before he was also removed by Rattenbury, Will Goodall with the safe hands on this occasion.

The big problem for Sidmouth was number three Connor Carthew, who played supremely before being run out by Ollie Pugsley just four runs short of his century. Around Carthew, the Bradninch boys struggled and their next highest score was only 13.

Tim Chapman ended with fine figures of 3 for 28, as Bradninch closed on 185/9. Despite losing Antony Cox for nine, Will Goodall (41) and Puglsley (68) took Sidmouth to the verge of victory, with Liam Dalton and Tom Chaplin finishing the job.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Ottery 2nds, who made a brilliant start at Braunton 2nds. Openers Dan Flower (65) and Matthew Brewster (75 no) made 107 for the first wicket. Ottery were doing nicely on 184/6 when the match was abandoned.