Sidmouth College Under-15 cricket team have been crowned Devon County champions after success at the Devon Cricket Indoor Centre at Exeter University earlier this week.

Seven schools had qualified from each of the four districts and were to battle it out for the right to be Devon champions.

Sidmouth found themselves in a pool with Okehampton and Hele School (Plymouth). In a close fought match with Okehampton, the Sidmouth team played intelligent cricket and paced themselves to a great opening victory. The game against Hele School was more comfortable and a victory ensured a semi-final place.

With strong batting performances from Harvey Sargent, Finn Marks, Sam Goodier and Will Down, alongside accurate bowling from Harvey, Finn, Sam, Jamie Newberry and Kersley Sutton Sidmouth, were fast becoming the team to beat.

The semi-final was against a strong Bideford side. Bowling first, there were what seemed far too many runs conceded, but it was in this particular contest that depth and strength of squad came into play.

This was particularly relevant after the early dismissal of Devon county Under-15v star Sargent in the reply. The others in the team rose to the challenge. Dan Thomas and Josh Mclean chipped in with important runs before a last wicket partnership between Kersley and Finn saw Sidmouth into the final.

Honiton were the opposition for the last game of the day and they batted first closing on 89 after their eight overs. Sam Goodier was the pick of the Sidmouth bowlers, claiming three wickets without a run conceded in one over!

To secure the top honour Sidmouth were tasked with scoring the highest total of the day!

In the chase both Marks and Down retired, before returning and Marks made sure the final over requirement of 12 runs was secured to seal a famous Sidmouth win.

Young Marks was also named the Player of the Tournament.

Mr Ingham-Hill, Sidmouth College vice principal, said: “What a day and what an amazing achievement! The boys were awesome. Their attitude was first class. Normally in cricket two or three players score the runs or get the wickets. The reason we won the tournament was due to every single player contributing. These boys were a credit to Sidmouth College and deserve the title and accolade of Devon U15 champions.”