Sidmouth 1st XI enjoyed a win double last weekend as they followed up Saturday’s six wicket win at North Devon in the Francis Clark League with a seven wicket success at Heathcoat in the Tolchards Cup.

Up at Instow it was a superb spell from Daniel Babula who claimed five for 23 as North Devon were bundled out for just 66 in 29.1 overs! Skipper Will Murray (2-14), Josh Bess (1-10) and Scott Barlow (1-18) were the other wicket takers.

Liam Lewis had to endure a rare happening – the run machine fell to a first ball duck! Skipper Josh Bess survived 10 balls before he fell for five with total on 13 after 3.1 overs.

Pete Randerson was next to go, out for 8 with the total then 42-3, but the only other wicket to fall was that of Adam Dibble for a second delivery duck. That left Anthony Griffiths not out 28 and Matt Cooke not out 20 to see Sidmouth to yet another premier Division win as the first half of the league season comes to an end.

On Sunday Josh Bess (2-37), Scott Barlow (2-17) and Dan Babula (2-37) reduced the home side to 28-6 at the end of the 13th over. The late order fought back to some degree to post a target of 138 for Sidmouth to book a last four berth in this season’s Tolchards Devon Senior Cup. It took just 29 overs for Sidmouth bag that last four tie at Paignton with skipper Josh Bess (53) and Liam Lewis (12), Anthony Griffiths (37no), former Heathcoat keeper Peter Randerson (14), getting the runs before Matt Cooke and Griffiths saw their side over the winning line.