Sidmouth’s 2nd XI recorded a second successive victory with an 8 wicket win at Sandford.

Winning the toss on a cool and showery day, Charlie Dibble asked the home team to bat and entrusted the new ball to Nick Mansfield and George House. This pair both made early breakthroughs with House accounting for opener Hawkins and Mansfield clean bowling overseas player Luke Wright, who was fresh from a century the previous week. House’s wicket came courtesy of a sharp stumping by Dan Powell who gave a faultless wicket-keeping display, conceding no byes and drawing plenty of generous praise from the opposition.

Charlie Miles replaced House and bowled a tidy and thoughtful spell, recording figures of 2 for 9 from his 9 over stint. Chris Collings also bowled tidily and, together with Miles, created score board pressure which was exploited by Charlie Dibble (3 for 18) and Fionn Wardrop (2 for 19) who saw off the Sandford lower order in quick time. Credit is due to Sandford’s opener, Scott Tremain, who patiently batted throughout their innings to finish unbeaten on 55.

A target of 136 was required by Sidmouth who made a shaky start with both Dan Powell and Dec Lines falling victim to Brian Leach, who was the pick of Sandford’s bowlers. At 18 for 2 Matt Hewer was joined by Saj Patidar and this pair batted soundly in adding an unbroken and chanceless partnership of 120. Man of the match Hewer finished on 59, recording his second consecutive half century, while Patidar cruised to an unbeaten 44.

Patidar’s batting will have been a good example to his 12 year old son Jash, who stepped in at late notice and made his debut for Sidmouth’s 2nd XI. In keeping with his family tradition, Jash fielded extremely well and becomes the fourth Patidar to represent Sidmouth on league duty, joining his dad, Saj, and uncles, Tiku and Meeku.

A maximum 20 point haul was recorded and Sidmouth take an early lead at the top of the 2nd XI premier league table. Tougher tests are undoubtedly in store and the first of these will come next week when the team travels to Cornwood.