This year’s East Devon Under-12s Finals day took place at Honiton Cricket Club, writes Saj Patidar.

The first semi-final did not take place and Exmouth were given a bye through to the final. It later transpired that Exmouth had not played one game in the cup, yet had managed to get to the final!

Sidmouth took on Cullompton in the second semi-final. After a short, but intense downpour, the marked out wicket was deemed to be unplayable and so the artificial surface on the next wicket was called into action.

Cullompton won the toss and inserted Sidmouth, a strange decision considering the outfield was now extremely wet.

After the loss of an early wicket Sidmouth, led by Louis Morison continuing the great form he has shown all season, having to retire on 30, made a fine recovery.

Andrew Donovan hit 25 and, at the halfway stage of the innings the total was running at eight an over!

Cullompton’s biggest problem was the number of extras bowled. By the time the Sidmouth innings had ended, 90 runs had been scored off the bat, however, the extras tally ended on 66!

Chasing 157 to win Cullompton were soon in trouble in the face of some fine bowling courtesy of Thomas Simmons (four overs and two wickets for two runs) and Oli Pugsley (four overs, nought for five). The pair, having complete their overs then left to play for Devon!

Wickets tumbled at regular intervals with Harry Ensall returning the superb figures of six wickets for six runs from 3.3 overs!

Not a single run was scored off his bowling – all six against him were wides!

Cullompton were finally all out in the 16th over for 37.

In the final Sidmouth won the toss, opted to bat, and once again got off to a great start thanks to another 31 retired Morison. Donovan retired on 31 as well, whilst Byron Knowles retired on 30 and Jash Patidar was unbeaten on 29 at the close with Sidmouth registering an imposing 177 off their 20 overs.

Emily Dodds (4 overs, 2-8) and Finlay Richards (3 overs, 0-20) took the new ball. They were ably assisted by Libby Morison (4 overs, 2-15) and the ever reliable Harry Ensall (3 overs, 3-11). Exmouth were never really going to challenge the Sidmouth total and, when the final delivery was bowled, Exmouth had lost by 92 runs. Another emphatic victory meant that Sidmouth Under-12s had ahieved the league and cup double.

The stand out performances of the day were Louis Morison’s batting, 30 and 31 retired not out respectively and Harry Ensall’s bowling, 6 for 6 and 3 for 11. It’s not clear if there was an award for player of the day, but both their performances were worthy of the Player of the Day award.

It must also be mentioned that there is incredible strength in depth and talent at this age group at Sidmouth. Even with Thomas Simmons and Oli Pugsley having to depart prior to the Final, their replacements were more than capable of performing when asked to do so. Including the two above, that unfortunately had to miss the Final, Jordan Fowler and Max Hancock also contributed to the team’s success in reaching Finals day and winning the League title.

The Annual East Devon Youth League Awards Presentation Evening will take place towards the end of September, date to be confirmed. Please try to attend and support the kids on another highly successful season.

Here’s to continued success in 2014.