After winning the toss, Watkins opted to bat first and he and Anthony Cox opened, adding 21 before Cox became the first wicket to fall.

The pair set the tempo for the innings with some positive batting, but at times, some indifferent calling saw both batsman at the same end, but they got away with it, until Cox was caught for 14.

Jash Patidar was next in and he and the skipper upped the tempo, adding 60 for the second wicket which was 16-year-old Patidar, clean bowled for a tidy contribution of 30 runs.

Graham Munday was next man in – and out – caught having scored 12 and this brought Byron Knowles to the wicket, but the youngster had just got off the mark when he had his stumps knocked over to leave Sidmouth four wickets down for 132 runs.

It was soon 152-5 with Craig Stephen caught for four and just 10 more runs were added when the Watkins knock ended with the skipper run out looking for a third run during his partnership with Matt Clark.

Leigh Adey came in at number eight and he and Clark took the innings to 187-7 when Clark was bowled for 19.

Sam Adams joined Adey, but 17 runs later Adey fell for 12 leaving Sidmouth 204-8. There were to be no further wickets as young Jordan Fowler (6) and Adams (22) saw their side to a close of 230-8.

When the visiting side batted they found Sidmouth opening duo Patidar and Munday quickly into their rhythm. The first Clyst Hydon wicket was snapped up in Mundays second over thanks to a good catch by skipper Watkins.

Patidar then sent back the other opener, aided by a Knowles catch and Munday bagged a second, knocking over the stumps to leave Clyst Hydon wobbling on 7-3.

Patidar got two more wickets to finish with impressive figures of three wickets for seven runs from five overs.

Munday ended with 2-6 before Watkins turned to young spinners Luke Raistrick and Jordan Fowler who claimed the next four wickets to fall between them. Fowler (2-10) and Raistrick (2-30), reduced to Clyst Hydon to 35-9.

The final wicket rallied and very nearly doubled the visitor’s score, but it was all over when Craig Stephen held his second catch off the innings to give Matt Clark his wicket and Sidmouth III had racked up a most impressive success.

The Man of the Match honours had two contenders, skipper Watkins for his knock of 72, but the winner was young Patidar for his 30 runs and fine opening spell with the ball.

Thanks must go to umpire Ian and also to scorer Richard and to Fionna Fratton for serving up a splendid tea.

Next up for Sidmouth III is a June 3, trip Chudleigh where Watkins and his merry men will seek a third straight win.