Sidmouth maintained their bid to retain the Francis Clark Devon League Premier Division title with a five wicket win over Exeter.

It was another clinical all-round performance as three of the top order batsmen struck half centuries to lead the side to victory, this after the bowlers had done their bit to restrict Exeter to 249-5.

That total on a good Fortfield pitch and fast outfield looked to be on the light side, especially after a fine start with 36 on the board after six overs, 28 of them off Josh Bess as he struggled to find line and length!

Charlie Miles and Scott Barlow, with two each, and Matt Cooke were the wicket takers.

Sidmouth lost Cooke with 37 on the board, his upper cut brilliantly caught low by James Taylor, running in from the third man boundary. Liam Lewis and Anthony Griffiths made another 30-run dent in the chase, with the former cutting and driving powerfully on his way to 38.

Holman held a diving catch from him at mid-off, but Griffiths made 52 in a 63-run partnership with Josh Bess, who also went on to an unbeaten 61.

The innings that took the wind out of Exeter sails came from Peter Randerson, with 59 in 39 balls.

His big hits ensured that Sidmouth were ahead of the run rate in case some slight rain intensified enough to bring the teams off.

Going for another big hit, Randerson fell to a splendid catch for 59.

Luke Bess came and went, striking a high full toss to accurately pick out a boundary fielder, but brother Josh, with a little assistance from Nick Gingell, finished the job off.

To retain a remote chance of retaining their Devon Premier League title, Sidmouth must win at home to Plymouth on Saturday. Their best hope of honours is in the Devon Senior Cup which sees them meeting the same opposition on Sunday at Bovey Tracey.

Sidmouth had home advantage in the draw, but their ground is occupied by Devon’s Minor Counties fixture.