Devon Cricket Board - Sidmouth stage comeback of season to beat Plymouthh

Sidmouth stage comeback of season to beat Plymouthh

SIDMOUTH staged one of the comebacks of the season in the Premier Division to beat Plymouth by two wickets in a real nail-biter on the Fortfield.

Plymouth overcame a few problems of their own to reach 170 for nine in 50 overs – a better total than it looked.

Sidmouth looked down and out at 41 for six in reply, but veteran batter Anthony Griffiths had other ideas.

Griffiths batted for two-hours and 26 minutes for an unbeaten 66 to see the defending champions over the line.

Sidmoutjh probably won’t win the title this season – it is Torquay’s to lose with two games to go – but they showed the sort of resolve which hints at a determined effort to get the title back next season.

Plymouth struggled to 11 for three under pressure from Will Murray (2-20) and stand-in new-ball bowler Liam Lewis (1-34), who was covering for New Zealand one-day international Andy Mathieson.

James Toms, dangerman Mike Simmers and Ben Stein managed just two runs between them.

Harry Ramsden started the Plymouth fightback with 37, which got the city side up to 75 for five.

Hal Kerton – who must be in the running for the Devon League’s young player of the year award this season – then played a great innings of 63 to get Plymouth a respectable total on the board.

Kerton has dug Plymouth out of numerous middle-order crises this season and did it again.

His stand of 55 with Rob Bennett (13) meant Plymouth had something defendable on the board.

Charlie Miles (2-34) kept the pressure on in mid-innings.

Sidmouth’s top order was hustled out by Dave Burke (3-37) and Rob Bennett (1-14), with Ramsden (2-29) and Dan Goodey (1-19) chipping in.

When Goodey bowled Pete Randerson Sidmouth were six down for 41 and staring down the barrel of defeat.

The game turned on a stand of 119 between Griffiths and Nick Gingell, who played an uncharacteristically patient innings of 47 off 79 balls with just two fours and two sixes.

Gingell normally goes for the bowling. His 56 off 25 balls with 50 coming in boundaries against Heathcoat seven days earlier is typical.

There was a mini-panic when Gingell and Murray went for one run added with 10 needed to win.

Miles (10no) biffed two fours and Griffiths did the rest.

“Once again Griff proved what an immovable talent he is,” said winning skipper Murray.

“Occupying the crease and waiting for the bad ball to come along, he ground down the Plymouth bowlers.

“In stark contrast from his wonderful hitting the week before, Nick Gingell proved what a versatile player he is.

“Nick was also very patient, but always holds the threat of being able to capitalise on anything other than a good line and length.

“It was another, wonderfully hard-fought win – eventually.”

Plymouth skipper Sam Stein, who sat the game out due to an injury, said conditions were tough at Sidmouth after last week’s downpour.

“Balls started spitting off a length and hitting batsmen on the gloves and shoulders,” said Stein.

“Spinners were hard to face as the ball was turning a long way.

“Harry batted well in the conditions – and Hal superbly. He has batted consistently all season and been one of our best batsmen.

“We started off well with the ball and Burkey got stuck in as usual as the went six down for not very many.

“The pitch got better during the game and Griffiths and Gingell batted very well to pull them through.

“It was a very good game, unfortunately we didn’t come out on top.”

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