Tipton St John suffered a 13th straight defeat to neighbours Newton Poppleford when the sides met on the final weekend of August, writes Phil Wright.

Sidmouth Herald: A wicket falls in the Tipton St John versus Newton Poppleford meeting.A wicket falls in the Tipton St John versus Newton Poppleford meeting. (Image: Archant)

Tipton St John fielders toiled in the field on a hot and sunny afternoon as Newton Poppleford openers Isaac Thomas and George House piled on the runs.

The century partnership was finally ended when Thomas was caught by David Thayre off David O’Higgins, but not before he had scored a powerful 82 from just 63 balls.

Having reached 161 for the loss of just one wicket, Tipton did manage to have more success. Tony Cox had kept the score moving with 32 until he was bowled by Phil Wright. A great diving catch by David Birch accounted for Matthew Raistrick, O’Higgins again the bowler and he claimed a third wicket when he bowled Louis Adey for 12. O’Higgins finished with figures of 3-66.

Wright bowled Leigh Adey and had Jordan Fowler stumped by Dickie Dawson to finish with 3-34.

The long innings of opener House finally ended when Thayre caught him on the boundary off Adam Gibbins for a patient 69 off 97 balls. he visitors managed to post a challenging total of 233-7.

Tipton’s reply started well with a 50 partnership between Steve Walker and Tom Birch, but once Birch was bowled by Luke Restorick for 17, the wheels came off!

After David Thayre fell, trapped leg before wicket by Hunter, Luke Restorick accounted for three more batsmen and finished with impressive figures of 4-32.

When Steve Walker was caught by Leigh Adey off Fowler for 56, the innings was soon wrapped up for 120 as last three players were out for ducks!

Having been beaten 13 successive times by the near neighbours – it’s a good job we get on well!