SIDMOUTH could have the Premier title wrapped up by the first Saturday in August if they win their next two games, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Table-topping Sidmouth are already 65 points clear at the top of the table following a nine-wicket demolition job on Torquay last time out.

With a maximum of 132 points left to play for, the clubs behind Sidmouth are fast approaching the point of no return.

If undefeated Sidmouth beat Sandford this Saturday and Exeter on August 2, there won’t be enough points left for the chasers to play for if they lose a game between now and then.

Second-placed Plymouth have Heathcoat (H) and Cornwood (H) while Exmouth in third are up against Cornwood this Saturday (A) and Torquay (H).

Torquay were bundled out for 154 on the Fortfield, largely by Scott Barlow (3-17) and Dan Babula (3-40).

Liam Lewis (2-19) polished off a couple of tail-enders.

Torquay were 11 for three after an early assault, were little better placed at 65 for five and were glad of knocks from Justin Yau (46) and Joe Thompson (54) for reaching 154.

Sidmouth lost Liam Lewis for 24 with the score in 38 and were seen home by Josh Bess (88) and Will Sobczak (41).

Mitch Pugh (1-26) bowled tidily and Jack Richardson bowled better than figures of 0-35 off 6.2 suggest.

For skipper Will Murray it was another workmanlike step along the road to winning the Premier title for the fifth time since he became skipper in 2007.

“It was a 250 wicket and we always knew Torquay were a long way short of a challenging total,” said Murray.

“We bowled well and the form Josh is in at the moment they were not going to stop us getting the runs.”