Devon Cricket Board - Dewdney's T20 final rained off

Dewdney's T20 final rained off

Rain stopped play at Exeter - Photo: Keith Palmer

SIDMOUTH and North Devon have to find another date for the Ivor Dewdney Devon T20 final after today’s first attempt at Exeter was washed out.

North Devon defeated Torquay by 44 runs in the first semi-final, then sat back and waited for Sidmouth and Plymouth to settle their differences in the second.

After two breaks for rain Sidmouth went through by seven wickets – but before the final could begin the County Ground suffered a terminal deluge.

The problem facing competition organiser Geoff Coish and the captains is how to squeeze a replay into a restricted time frame.

The Devon final is a qualifier for the regional plays off scheduled for August 11 – two Sundays away.

North Devon are due to play a North Devon League game this Sunday, which needs to be rearranged to allow the T20 final to be played.

If the NDL say ‘no’ North Devon and Sidmouth will attempt to find a neutral venue – Sandford has been suggested - for a midweek final.

A further complication is that Sidmouth are already through to the semi-finals of the 40-over Devon KO Cup, due to be played at home on August 11, the same day as the regional play-off.

If Sidmouth win the T20 final they would have to postpone the 40-over game by a week and surrender home advantage to Plymouth.

“We could play it the following week but as we are hosting a Devon game against Oxfordshire the same day that would mean playing the semi at Plymouth instead,” said Sidmouth captain Will Murray.

There isn’t too much leeway in the 40-over cup as the final – definitely at Plymouth – will be played on August Bank Holiday Sunday, August 25.

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