Sidmouth CC U11s beat rivals Ottery St Mary in the East Devon Cup final, having beaten Sandford in the semi-finals at Heathcoat CC, writes Saj Patidar.

Ottery won the toss and decided to bowl first. Sidmouth’s order top found it hard to score runs against some very good bowling and was blown away, 2-9, became 14-3, 30-4 and, after 12 overs, Sidmouth were in real trouble at 47-5.

But a partnership between Max Hancock (30no retired) and Thomas Simmons (26) rescued the innings. Ottery’s second string bowling began to provide opportunities to score a little more freely.

Hancock had to retire after a well-made 30. Simmons continued his cameo, but was eventually out four short of his own retirement for 26. Sidmouth achieved a respectable 96, always be a tough ask for Ottery with the depth of bowling available to Sidmouth and the key now was to bowl and field as well as they had done in the semi-final.

Openers, Thomas Simmons, (4 overs, 0-8) and Harry Ensall, (4 overs, 1-16) contained the Ottery openers. After eight overs the score was 24 for 1 and Ottery were already behind the required run rate.

The next duo of Ollie Pugsley, (4 overs, 2-16) and Max Hancock, (4 overs, 1-5) continued the excellent work begun by the openers. After 16 overs, and with the run rate required being over 13-an-over, the game was as good as won.

Some gun fielding, namely by Jordan Fowler, whose direct hit ran out the Ottery star Thomas Jeacock, maintained the momentum. The coup de gras came from Finlay Richards. With 30 required off the last over, the celebrations began and the loudest roar of the day came when Finlay clean bowled the opposition batsman.

A valiant effort by the Ottery boys, but this run chase was just a bridge too far. Sidmouth won by 23 runs. This was a great team performance over the two games and throughout the entire season every member of the U11 squad has contributed to the success. Ottery had been the only team to beat Sidmouth U11s this season so were worthy opponents.

Semi final report on www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

Against Sandford U11s in the second semi-final of Finals Days for the East Devon Cup at Heathcoat CC, Sidmouth won the toss and elected to field.

The new ball was taken by Thomas Simmons and Harry Ensall. Tight bowling meant they never allowed the Sandford openers to get into their stride. Their combined figures of 8 overs, 3 maidens, 0 for 20 meant Sandford were going to need to up the tempo in order to post a competitive score.

However, the support bowling never allowed the Sandford batsmen to get going. Ollie Pugsley had figures of 1 for 13 off his 4 overs, Jordan Fowler 2 overs, 1 for 3, Louis Adey 2 overs, 2 for 6, Thomas Burhop 2 overs, 1 for 8 and Cole Monaghan 2 overs, 1 for 10. A solid bowling and fielding effort by the lads meant Sandford only managed to post a well under par score of 64.

When it came to Sidmouth’s turn to bat, they didn’t have it their own way. The Sandford bowlers managed to get early wickets and put the pressure on Sidmouth’s batsmen. After 4 overs, Sidmouth were 18 for 3 and in a little trouble.

What was required was a partnership to ease the nerves and that was provided by Jash Patidar (16) and Thomas Burhop (20no). They picked up the singles and hit the bad balls for 4. With only one more hiccup, the loss of Jash on 61, Sidmouth eased past past Sandford’s total in the 15th over.

This was a comprehensive victory, underpinned by some excellent bowling by all, and a good warm up for the Final against local rivals Ottery, the only team this year to beat us.