Hugely strengthened by returning players and the surprise inclusion of the 2nd XI’s leading wicket- taker, Sidmouth 3rd XI raced to their second win of the campaign at Bradninch.

Needing 142 to win, they knocked the required runs off for the loss of two wickets with 22 of their 45 overs spare. An opening stand of 84 in14 overs from skipper Dave Watkins and Isaac Thomas, was laced with crisp boundaries and sharp running between the wickets, despite the players maximising their intake from a spread that further enhanced the Bradninch tea reputation.

Sam Cavin took on the mantle when Thomas departed for 40 and Greg Chaplin finished the game with a six to move on to 25 in 17 balls. Watkins was 55 not out.

The home side had elected to bat first on a firm dry pitch that had escaped the torrents which fell elsewhere during the week but were soon questioning the wisdom of the decision as Toby Seldon struck twice in his first three overs.

During the Bradninch innings there was the usual crop of 3rd XI fielding howlers, but to compensate there were some distinct highlights.

One was the lightning swoop and throw by Greg Chaplin to run out Will Birley and put Bradninch at 16-3. Jordan Fowler took a sharp catch at square leg and Sam Cavin dived a long way at short third man to take a chance offered by Rob Acton when he had made his side’s top score of 34.

Acton and Derrick Foan had put on 40 for the seventh wicket to steady a ship that was listing at 77-6.

Sidmouth’s side was heavily laden with spinners and three of the five used shared eight of the nine wickets to fall in a total of 141. Charlie Dibble took 3-9, Graham Munday 3-15 and Toby Seldon 2-16.

Sidmouth remain at the foot of the B Division East table, but have closed the gap on Upottery, who lost at Bideford, to six points.