Plymouth 2nd XI won the toss against Plymouth and elected to bat, a decision based on a pitch that looked like 240 would be a par score, writes Matt Hewer.

Thanks must go to Colin Whitehall for working so hard to produce a pitch with pace.

Zac Bess removed Varcoe with his third ball and bowled with great control, considering the length of time he has been unable to turn his arm over. Nick Mansfield had a very good appeal against ex Plymouth 1st XI skipper Callum Whittaker turned down in his first over.

Whittaker had resigned his position as captain due to a lack of form and, following the early scare, made 33 before he was clean bowled by the ‘king of spin’ Charlie Dibble with the score on 51.

Plymouth’s batsmen were then made to look like a bunch of Charlies by a couple of Sidmouth’sCharlies. With combined figures of 6 for 78 from 30 overs Charlie Dibble and Charlie Miles bowled with real skill and thought.

With Miles bowled out, the last over was given to Will Sobczak in an attempt to bowl the opposition out and gain maximum batting points. Unfortunately, the tail wagged and 13 runs were conceded.

However, at tea Sidmouth were more than happy with the first half and went in feeling confident of reaching their target of 170.

Sidmouth started comfortably and went to 22 before Matt Hewer nicked one to the keeper. This bought Will Sobczak to the crease. Sobczak played an innings of great maturity for 16 years of age. His 75 runs were scored at a good rate and he hit cleanly to all parts of the ground.

The wickets around Sobczak fell at regular intervals and what should have been a comfortable chase turned out to be quite the opposite.

Dec Lines received a harsh caught behind decision but then a series of weak dismissals saw Plymouth haul themselves back into the game.

Their captain, Rob Button and Martin Gill both bowled beautifully. Button was giving the ball flight while Gill’s left arm off-spin was flatter and restricted scoring opportunities.

When Sidmouth suddenly tumbled from 130 for 4 to 132 for 7, Matt Hewer was starting to regret the decision to go for the extra wicket as 39 runs were still required. Sidmouth had two things in their favour, overs and ‘Rusty’ Miles. Miles batted with thought and simply waited for the bad ball and spanked it to the boundary. He ended the game by smashing Button over mid wicket and down to the sea front for 4. He received the ‘Jazzy’ for his superb bowling and batting performance.

All in all this was an excellent day’s cricket for the Fort Field faithful. The bowling units for both sides performed well. For Sidmouth’s young team (only two players being over 19) this was a good win with some excellent performances from Dibble, Sobczak and Miles. The seconds remain top of the league by one point from Exeter.