Tipton suffered defeats to both Sidbury and Chulmleigh at the weekend, writes Phil Wright.

First up, the derby meeting with Sidbury who batted first and scored

176-8 thanks mainly to Simon Rowe with 70 aided by Martin Bennett (39) and Windy Miller (37).

For Tipton, David Birch, with 4-28 and Mark Channon, 2-19, were the key wicket takers, both bowling a full shift of eight overs and both deserved to finish with more victims, but the Tipton bowlers in general were not helped by errant fielding which resulted in the spurning of several catching opportunities!

When they batted, Tipton were soon in trouble at 12-2, but a splendid innings from Michael Dawson, who struck 58, gave them hope. The initial support for Dawson came from Dave Dawson with 21 and then there was a patient innings of 32 not out from Surajeet Chakravarty. However, the target proved too much for Tipton as they ended 13 runs short on 163-8. James Pearse took the bowling honours for Sidbury with 4-20.

On Sunday Tipton batted first at home to Chulmleigh, but soon slipped to 22-3. Their recovery was orchestrated by Alex Tubbs who held the innings together.

Only Dave Alford reached double figures with 23 apart from Tubbs who achieved his maiden century.

Supporting roles were made by Jem Gillham and Dave Dawson, which enabled Tubbs to reach his 100 off 78 balls.

Unfortunately, he was then run out on 105 by partner Phil Wright who was trying to get him back on strike! As a result Tipton failed to use their overs and ended 175 all out.

Dave Alford struck with the very first ball of the action after tea but, despite reducing them to 37-3, the Chulmleigh batsmen took control. Jacobs was bowled for 67 when in sight of victory enabling the visitors to reach their target with seven overs and five wickets to spare.