Devon Cricket Board - Sidmouth one win away from cup hat-trick

Sidmouth one win away from cup hat-trick

HOLDERS Sidmouth are heading for a Devon Cup final showdown with Exmouth after slipping past Plymouth by one wicket in the semi-final at Bovey Tracey.

Plymouth made 181 for seven in their 40 overs – Marnus Labuschagne top scoring with 60.

Sidmouth were 122 for three on the chase, then slumped to 140 for seven and needed nine to win when their last pair came together.

Will Gater and Charlie Miles got Sidmouth over the line with four balls to spare.

The final is at Plymouth on Sunday when Sidmouth will be aiming for their third successive win –a feat never achieved before in the competition.

Exmouth have never won the competition, but were beaten finalists in 2003 (Braunton) and 1982 (Plymouth).

Plymouth’s total of 181 for seven was built around a stand of 87 for the third wicket between Labuschagne and George Stephenson (39).

Either side of that stand there were contributions of 27 by James Toms and 24 not out from Henry Bennett.

Charlie Miles with three for 59 was Sidmouth’s leading wicket taker.

Sidmouth were sailing serenely on with Peter Randerson (45), Matt Hewer (29) and Matt Cooke (23) all chipping in towards a total of 122 for four.

Sam Stein (3-37) and Matt Hooper (3-26) started reeling in the wickets with Gater (26no) the only one to hold on.

Will Murray was ninth out on 175, leaving Gater and Miles to finish things off.

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