Ubeaten record falls

SIDMOUTH'S unbeaten record in the East Devon Indoor Cricket League fell to reigning champions Clyst Hydon in a highly competitive match, writes John Goodwin.

Clyst Hydon batted first after winning the toss and, at 91-4 after eight overs, looked to be in danger of posting a below par total.

But Ian Sutton and Paul Milner came back to the crease after earlier registering the 25 retirement score and plundered 68 from the last four overs, Sutton finishing unbeaten on 74 and Milner making 41.

Sidmouth had Anthony Griffiths and Charlie Miles retired as they maintained the rate but their team-mates were unable to match Clyst Hydon's late flurry and the side finished 19 runs adrift of victory. Miles did most to threaten Clyst's total with 31 in 10 balls, including four sixes. Griffiths made 38.

?Exmouth got in a position to step in if any of the two front-runners slip up with victory over Clyst Hydon II. James Tapper and Steve Cross, with unbeaten scores of 42 and 26 respectively, got Exmouth up to 135-3 and they dismissed Clyst Hydon for 105, with Mike Johnson making 37 of them. Tapper’s claims for all-rounder status were enhanced with two wickets.

?Ottery St Mary’s 133-3, featuring an unbeaten 34 from Alex Clements, 26 not out from Sam Loud and 26 from George Biggs, was 40 too many for Yarcombe & Stockland who were restricted to 93-5.

?Richard Coombs’s 27 and Kenny Clay’s 28 for Newton Poppleford did not receive enough support from team-mates and they totalled 91-5 in reply to 117-5 made by Clyst St George.

All Clyst St George’s top four got into double figures with Clinton Lewis leading the way with 25 and Oz Besley 21.