SIDMOUTH are the 2012 Ivor Dewdney Devon Twenty20 champions without hitting a ball in anger in the final, writes Stephen Birley.

The Fortfield men had won last Sunday’s semi-final meeting with Plymouth at the County Ground Exeter and were set to take on North Devon in the final when the heavens opened to wash out play.

With the cricket season into its later stages, finding an alternative date for the final has proved impossible and North Devon, who are challenging for the North Devon Sunday League title , were unable to defer a game in that competition and so have pulled out, handing Sidmouth the title unchallenged.

Francis Clark Devon League administrator Geoff Coish said: “ It is regretted that North Devon have withdrawn, due to player commitments in the North Devon League. We apologise to Exeter, who had made a new date available to us, and thank them for all their efforts last Sunday. In view of the foregoing Sidmouth have been declared the winners and will represent Devon in the National T20 Cup qualifier at Frocester in Somerset on August 11.”

That also presents an issue for Suidmouth as they are set to entertain Plymouth the same day in the semi-finals of the Devon Senior Cup.

“The league has agreed that Sidmouth and Plymouth can negotiate another day for their semi-final,” said Coish.

“It has been suggested it is held at Plymouth on Sunday, August 18, but we await their deliberations.

“That date isn’t available for Sidmouth at home as it clashes with a county game.”

The other semi-final between Exmouth and Exeter will go ahead as planned.

The final is due to be played at Plymouth on August 25.

Back at the County Ground on soggy Sunday, North Devon defeated Torquay by 44 runs in the first semi-final, then sat back and waited for Sidmouth and Plymouth to settle their differences in the second.

Plymouth made 110 for eight in their 20 overs – Marnus Labuschagne top scoring on 35 – which never looked enough to bother Sidmouth unduly.

Sidmouth got off to a rocket start with Nick Gingell (38no) and Liam Lewis (31) hoisting 42 in the first two overs.

Lewis, Anthony Griffiths and Josh Bess all perished on the chase, but the momentum was with Sidmouth.

Peter Randerson was 14 not out with Gingell when the winning post was passed.