Sidmouth’s Bess in hurry to wrap things up

They completed a decisive victory over Heathcoat to get their title defence on track and now must guard against complacency against a side that has lost key players over the close season.

After Heathcoat were dismissed for 104, Neil Hancock taking 5-39, Josh Bess and Anthony Griffiths completed a 10-wicket win.

Bowling the second over, Hancock had six taken off him by Paul Randerson until he had him caught by Bess fifth ball.

With the score on 16, Nick Gingell took a slip catch off Hancock and the home side's fielding was showing the intensity which has been a hallmark of three years of championships.

Hancock was in full cry and won an lbw decision to have Heathcoat at 30-3.

Will Gater, on as first change to relieve Bess, made it 54-4 inducing an edge to Ben Gledhill. Heathcoat skipper Liam Lewis's self-inflicted demise, abandoning hope of avoiding being run out when Anthony Griffiths' throw from mid on gave him every chance, made it 59-5.

Three runs later, another run-out, again completed by Gledhill as Jamie Wardrop found him with a good throw from cover, made a sub three-figure likely.

Heathcoat responded with their best stand - 40 for the seventh wicket - as from Andrew Birt-Mitchell made 23 and Tom Frankpitt 14.

The former was pouched by Miles Dalton off Hancock at 102 and the latter went at the same score, caught behind off Will Murray.

Hancock finished things off with his fifth wicket and the Heathcoat innings had lasted 35 overs.

Bess was a man in a hurry to finish things off, making 69 in 66 balls with 48 coming in fours, but was unable to complete matters before the tea break.

After refreshments three overs were needed to finish things off with Griffiths reaching 31 not out as victory was achieved in the 24th over.

After tomorrow’s game Sidmouth are in Devon Senior Cup action on Sunday at Barton.