Ed Chester and Dave O’Connor were the batting heroes in a sensational victory for Sidbury over Kentisbeare 2nds in the Devon Cricket League.
Chester stated his intentions in just the second over, twice clearing the ropes in a painful six-ball mauling for the hosts that saw 20 runs scored.
This all came after opening partner Ben Pollard had been brilliantly caught in the first over. Mark Bishop joined Chester at the crease and the pair put on 60 before another fine catch brought O’Connor into the game.
What happened next was an absolute batting masterclass and a brutal start to the season for the Kentisbeare attack, as Chester and O’Connor put together an amazing partnership of 283 runs.
It is almost certainly a club record stand and the bludgeoning approach of Chester led to a fabulous 18 sixes in a final personal total of 174.
The busy and wristy O’Connor was the perfect foil, amassing a fine score of 135 not out. It all added up to a grand team total of 373-4 for Sidbury.
A brief shower gave the Kentisbeare batsmen a chance to prepare for the mammoth task ahead and the two openers did a terrific job in both reaching a half century before Mark Smallcombe found a breakthrough.
A steady succession followed. Joe Gosse, dressed as Tintin, was the pick of the bowling, taking two wickets but beating the edge frequently. Chris Fitzhenry and Alex Paget chipped in but Chester returned to the limelight to take 3 for 14 and close the Kents’ innings at 182. Sidbury 20 pts Kentisbeare 6 pts.
Sidbury are back in league action next weekend, hosting Alphington & Countess Wear at The Millfield.
After the previous day’s run fest, Sidbury’s Sunday side headed over the hill to face Honiton for a 30 over match, in what was hoped would be a close fought affair akin to the two final over thrillers from last year.
In another entertaining encounter, Honiton reached 172 all out and Sidbury were unable to repeat the batting heroics of 24 hours earlier, ending the day on 123-9.