Stage is set for a cracking East Devon derby

If the weather behaves, Saturday at the Fortfield has all the ingredients for a classic game of Devon cricket.
Sidmouth CC are improving steadily after a frustrating start to the season and will welcome an Exmouth side also looking upward following their narrow win over Bovey Tracey last weekend.
After persistent rain ruled out many of the early fixtures, Sidmouth are approaching the halfway stage of the campaign with just three completed matches on the board, two of them victories and one defeat.
“We’ve been a bit unlucky really, having played one game less than everyone else, and two games less than Exmouth, so it’s a solid effort for us to be in the top half of the table,” said captain Luke Bess.
“We are an inexperienced team, compared to previous years, and we’ve done well to be where we are. Cornwood have also played three games and everyone else at least one more than us.
“I do feel like we’re starting to get going as a side. We were a bit rusty at first but there is a good feel about our cricket at the moment.
“Local derbies are the games that can get very competitive. We know a lot of the Exmouth lads, played youth cricket with many of them and a game you really look forward to playing.
“We want to get one over our mates, our local rivals and then enjoy a beer together afterwards. We will be going out there with nothing but a win in our minds.
“There are a lot of new faces coming through at both clubs and there has definitely been a different vibe among the spectators for the last few weeks. The sun has come out and people are enjoying the chance to watch some sport.
“We next travel to Bovey Tracey and then Heathcoat at home, who are currently top. Exmouth and Bovey will make us halfway through the season and our first game with Heathcoat was rained off after 19 overs.
“Heathcoat have got three lads who used to play for Sidmouth, so another competitive fixture to enjoy. A couple of good results could set up a fascinating clash.”