Devon Cricket Board - Bess and Lewis steer Sidmouth to victory

Bess and Lewis steer Sidmouth to victory

SIDMOUTH stay hard on the heels of Exmouth at the top oft the table following a workmanlike six-wicket win on the County Ground.

Exeter were held to 167 for eight in their 50 overs – Nathan Prowse coming to their rescue with 50 off 62 balls after coming in at 73 for five.

Plenty of batters got started – Zak Bess made 17, Ben Green 20, skipper Miles Lenygon had 16 and Will Steward 18 – but until Prowse and Matt Hicks (20) put on 72 for the seventh wicket there was no sizeable stand.

Sidmouth’s battery of seamers kept Exeter in check with Josh Bess (2-36) and Scott Barlow (2-34) the most successful.

Sidmouth openers Josh Bess (left) and Liam Lewis got the visitors away to a 120-run start and that was game over for all practical purposes.

Bess went first for 48, followed Anthony Griffiths (12) then Lewis for 80 off 97 balls with nine fours and three sixes.

By the time Lewis went the target was 15 to win.

Only Adam Gribble (2-28) had much success with the ball for Exeter.

Exeter skipper Miles Lenygon admitted his side were ‘completely outplayed’, but offered one mitigating factor.

“Sidmouth bowled great areas and none of our batters could get on top,” said Lenygon.

“Defending only 167 we felt we might have had a slight chance if we struck early.

“We dropped Liam first ball, but it was a sharp chance and to be honest he looked a class apart from any other batting we've come up against this season.

“We've got a lot of batting, but someone in that top order - myself included - needs to put their hand up and get a meaningful score.”

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