Dom Bess stars in Sidmouth win over North Devon

Treated to a guest appearance by local lad and England international Dom Bess, who smashed an impressive 79 from 57 balls, Sidmouth closed on 191-9 before ripping through the North Devon batting line-up. Special mention, however, to North Devon’s Ben Howe, who claimed six wickets.

Charlie Miles and Tom Simmons removed the visiting openers, and North Devon slumped to 31-5. It didn’t get much better for the team fighting at the bottom of the division, and they were all out for just 78, with Bess claiming a couple of wickets from his three overs in a composed cameo performance.

Sidmouth captain Luke Bess told the DCL website: “Putting 191 on the board in 31 overs meant was always going to be a tough chase for North Devon on a tricky wicket with the bowling attack we had.

“North Devon bowled quite well – and definitely had the momentum going into the second half – but Dom and Taylor (Ingham-Hill) were up to the task and their partnership did the damage really. 

“Our bowlers shared the wickets around in what was probably our most clinical performance so far this season.”

There were a couple of local derbies further down the DCL pyramid, with Ottery St Mary defeating Sidmouth 2nds by 71 runs in C Division East.

Jonathan Triner hit a steady 37 for the Otters but their first innings total was in some peril on 97-5. Tom Jeacock came to the rescue for the home side, swatting an unbeaten 51 from 43 balls, including two barnstorming sixes.

The Sidmouth reply was in desperate trouble on 13-3 and Ollie Pugsley (38) was the only visiting batsman to muster a meaningful score. Sam O’Nyons and Freddie Eul-Barker both took three wickets each for the Otters.

In E Division East, a fine 78 from James Docherty set the tone for Sidmouth 3rds to hand Sidbury a tough total of 221-9. Mark Bishop hit an impressive 41 for the visitors but partners fell by the wayside, with Ben Fisher claiming three wickets for Sidmouth, as Sidbury were bowled out for 119 inside 38 overs.