Sidmouth were left stunned at Ottermouth as the half way mark arrived in their Francis Clark Devon League Premier Division season with a third defeat, beaten by three wickets by Budleigh Salterton.

Before the game Sidmouth skipper Will Murray had spoken of the fact that Budleigh, without a win, were simply ‘too good’ to go on in the campaign without victory, but he hoped they would not break their duck against his side!

Sidmouth batted first and, at 86-9 an early finish was on the cards. However the last pair of Charlie Miles and Dominic Bess added 54 for the final wicket allowing Sidmouth to limp to 140 all out in 34 overs and one ball.

The home side lost seven wickets in the run chase, and only got home with two overs to spare, but the victory was very sweet and the defeat was a real blow to Sidmouth’s hopes of retaining the title for Bovey Tracey, as expected beat ailing Bradninch to move 24 points clear of the Fortfield side who now sit third after Exmouth’s four wicket win over Cornwood.

Better news from the Sidmouth 2nd and 3rd teams who both gained victories.

The 2nd XI were emphatic nine-wicket winners over Chudleigh II. Nick Gingell and Saj Patidar both claimed three wicket hauls as Chudleigh were restricted to 157-9, knocked off for the loss of a single wicket thanks to Matt Hewers’ unbeaten 47 and Dan Powel’s not out knock of 83.

The 3rd XI scored 239-7 against Cornwood III who were then bowled out for 154 with Henry Gater claiming three wickets. Tom Overthrow (63), Harvey Sergeant (52) and Graham Munday, the latter top scoring with an unbeaten 64, got the runs.

Make sure of your copy of the Sidmouth Herald, out next on Friday, July 5, for all the match details and post match comment.