Sidmouth skipper Will Murray declared himself highly satisfied with his team’s performance in the three wicket win over Bovey Tracey.

He said: “Quite simply it was a game that we had to get played and then really needed to win. I know we had clawed back a thirty point deficit on Bovey last year, but this year I think it’s going to be much tighter as there is not one top flight fixture where you can point your finger at and say that’s a certain win game!”

He continued: “We bowled and fielded very well to restrict them to the 200-9 and then our batting strength was underlined as we still got over the line despite the early fall of wickets. Josh (Bess) was tremendous. I knew it was in his locker. He’s been getting runs for the County side this season but had not had much luck in the Devon league so far, but all that ended on Saturday. His innings was faultless. I always felt that, despite the wickets falling, if he could stay there then we would get over the line and so it proved.”

it proved.”

Murray was also keen to praise the part played by Harrison Jones, saying: “Harrison played his part very well. Even with seven to go and Neil Hancock bowling the final over it was a time for calm heads and Harrison took the responsibility to get us over the line with that big six.”

So how does Murray see the situation in terms of the title race with the halfway mark arriving tomorrow (Saturday)?

He says: “Given that Bovey have lost one, we’ve lost two and Exmouth three it’s clear that all three teams are very much in the mix for we all have to meet each other again in the second half of the season. Last year we won it with four defeats and I fancy it’ll be a similar story this year. That means we have to keep focussed and keep winning. To be eight points shy of top spot at this stage is something I would have taken back in early May.”

Tomorrow Sidmouth travel to a Budleigh side who sit rock bottom having lost all eight of their matches so far this season.

Murray says: “Table placings count for nothing with this particular fixture. This is our derby game of the season and last year honours ended even with a win apiece in the two games. We are without Adam (Dibble) but Dominic Bess will make his 1st XI debut. He deserves the chance and now it’s up to him to take it with both hands.”