After a brilliant promotion-winning campaign in 2022, everyone at Sidbury Cricket Club understandably entered the summer full of hope and enthusiasm.

The step up to E Division East of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League was always going to be a challenge and Sidbury naturally desired a fast start to get their season up and running in a positive manner.

Sport, however, is unforgiving and despite some valiant performances over the first half of the cricketing summer, results have not gone their way and they travelled to Clyst St George 2nds on Saturday in search of their first win.

Bowling first, Sidbury made a steady start, Ed Chester and Damien Armes removing the opening duo in the Clyst line-up. The hosts responded with a solid 97-run partnership between Matthew Knight (39) and Harry Attwater (49).

Sidbury faced another struggle with Clyst on 155-2 but a sharp run out removed Attwater and two more quick wickets, taken by Soren Hall (caught and bowled) and Osian Murray-Williams had them back in the game.

Murray-Williams snaffled two further wickets and Armes also clean bowled Clyst’s George Heard to leave the total on a challenging but achievable 219-8.

Given their need to quickly accumulate points in a bid to climb away from the relegation spots, Sidbury hoped for a steady start to the reply but that was dashed by the early loss of Chester for five. Mark Bishop and Oliver Paget followed him into the sheds and the chase was in trouble on 39-3.

The arrival of Ryan Trawford at the crease restored a measure of calm to the Sidbury response and he quietly set about compiling a dogged unbeaten 56 from 107 balls. All Trawford needed was people to stick around at the other end.

Dave O’Connor answered the call with a fabulously entertaining 41 from 27 balls, including seven boundaries, Simon Rowe chipped in with a further 21 and captain Armes was another who decided attack was the best approach to a nervy situation, striking a quickfire 32, as he accompanied Trawford in reaching their goal in 41.4 overs.

Sidbury have suffered more than their fair share of setbacks this term, all of which made this superb victory even sweeter. Now on to the derby at Sidmouth 3rds on Saturday.