JUST four wickets fell to bowlers at the Bicton College ground as the best part of 450 runs were scored in the Sidmouth-Exeter second XI clash.

Boosted by a second century of the season from Zach Bess, Sidmouth easily passed the 221 set by Exeter.

Two run-outs made it six wickets in total to fall and of them, five were taken by Sidmouth, who were more than happy with the target set by their visitors, so true was the pitch and so quick was the outfield.

Bess reached 120 not out in 109 balls and figured in a 142-run opening stand with Ollie Pyne who made 67, 56 coming in boundaries..

That left Jamie Wardrop to make 20 as he joined Bess for a second wicket stand of 80 as Sidmouth cruised to victory with 10 of their 50 overs spare. Bess struck 18 fours and one six in his knock.

Exeter’s innings did not really catch fire until Alex Bosomworth and Chris Bostock got together for a 73-run sixth wicket partnership made in nine overs.

While Exeter were cautiously building their innings, Greg Chaplin sent down seven overs for 21 runs and Fionn Wardrop nine for 28.

The two run-outs helped Sidmouth’s cause and the other wickets fell to Charlie Miles, two, and Mark Jasper.

Tomorrow, Sidmouth host Bovey Tracey, their nearest rivals for the Francis Clark 2nd XI Premier Division championship, and one of the two sides to beat them in the first half of the season. Bovey are currently 19 points behind.