The Tipton St John records took something of a hammering when the team travelled to the County Hall ground in Exeter to meet Geriatrics in an old-fashioned timed game, writes Phil Wright.

Sidmouth Herald: Tom Birch during his innings of 77, his higherst knock for the club to date, scored in the game at Exeter against Geriatrics. Picture; PHIL WRIGHTTom Birch during his innings of 77, his higherst knock for the club to date, scored in the game at Exeter against Geriatrics. Picture; PHIL WRIGHT (Image: Archant)

The artificial wicket and small ground with a fast outfield suggested a big total and Tipton were grateful to win the toss and bat first.

Phil Tolley and Tom Birch started things off by breaking the Tipton CC first wicket partnership record that had stood for 19 years!

That record – one of 203 - was set by Tipton stalwarts Mike Gilkerson and Brian Blackbeard back in 1999. Tolley was dropped on one, but then neither batsman offered a chance as the new record of 214 was set and the total also eclipsed Tipton’s best partnership for any wicket, which had previously stood at 205!

Birch was eventually dismissed, leg before wicket, to Mike Giles for 77, his best score for Tipton. Phil Tolley went on to post a score of 182 not out, scored off just 130 balls. This is not only his highest score, but also his 50th Tipton century. Unsurprisingly, Tipton also made their highest ever score, closing on 258-2.

Sidmouth Herald: Tipton fielders surround the bat during the latter stages of the game at Exeter against Geriatrics.Picture: PHIL WRIGHT.Tipton fielders surround the bat during the latter stages of the game at Exeter against Geriatrics.Picture: PHIL WRIGHT. (Image: Archant)

When the home side replied, David Birch took the first two Geriatric wickets, trapping Markham leg before for 12 before he had Jones stumped by Chris Tubbs for 38, the first of the Tipton glovesman’s four victims behind the stumps.

Mark Channon capped a good bowling spell by having Murray caught by Al Matthews in the deep for 40, leaving the home side 96-3. Another good catch, this time Dave Alford off the bowling of Kevin McMeeking, saw off Giles for 26.Once Alford had bowled Smith for one and Dyer for 34, the Geriatrics’ hope of victory was ended and a rear-guard action was needed.

Tom Birch’s spin removed three of the tail, all thanks to catches and a stumping by Tubbs, leaving Geriatrics teetering on 178-9 with five overs remaining.

The final pair held out despite nine fielders being clustered around the bat as the innings closed on 185-9 and an honourable draw.