Siddiqui hits first century for city

PREMIER DIVISION CORNWOOD consolidated their place at the top of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division with a sixwicket win over Sidmouth on the Fortfield.

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Sidmouth’s total of 210 all out always looked within Cornwood’s range and the knocked it off with more than five overs to spare.

Victory takes Cornwood (88pts) six points clear at the top of the table. Bovey Tracey (82pts) are second following their win at North Devon.

Having been taken to the wire by Heathcoat last time out – one wicket left, four balls to go – Cornwood skipper Elliott Staddon was relieved to win with time to spare.

“After running it close in the run chase against Heathcoat it was great to get it done convincingly,” said Staddon.

Skipper Luke Bess was the only one of Sidmouth’s top five to miss out on a score, although no one made runs in a hurry either.

Sam Elstone (29) and Matt Cooke (25) opened up with 55 then Bryce Parsons (44) and Josh Bess (46) took the score up to 149 for four. Cornwood’s Ben Beaumont (3-30) spun both of them out.

Sidmouth’s last five wickets went for just 20 runs as Beaumont, Jay Bista (2-17), Lee Baker and Jack Ormsby went through the lower order.

“I was very pleased to limit Sidmouth to what we did with the ball,” said Staddon.

“Ben Beaumont played a massive part with a superb 10 overs that included two big wickets – and there were great spells from the other bowlers.”

Beaumont then top scored with 75 for Cornwood in the chase to victory.

Max Finzel (30) and Bista (44) got pursuit up and running, then Beaumont (75) and Ryan Rickard (54no) put on 112 to get the target down to single figures.

Said Staddon: “Ryan and Ben put in two superb, chanceless knocks on the chase.”