PREMIER leaders Sidmouth thrashed Plymouth by 126 runs in a game that was over long before the end.

Liam Lewis showed he as over his recent injury problems with a top knock of 91 in Sidmouth’s score of 340 for nine.

Lewis and skipper Luke Bess (61) put on 152 for Sidmouth’s second wicket, after which the scoring slowed for a while as Dave Burke (0-21) bowled with some control.

The last 10 overs were carnage for the Plymouth bowlers as Sidmouth raced from 230 for five to 340 for nine – 110 runs going up.

The bulk of the damage was done by Zak Bess and Henry Gater, who put on 78 in a shade under seven overs.

Bess slashed 71 of 42 balls with six fours and five sixes. Gater’s 44 off 27 balls was positively pedestrian in comparison.

Dan Goodey (3-56) escaped the worst of the onslaught. Fayed Ali, Hal Kerton and Joe Hagan-Burt were not so fortunate.

Plymouth slumped to 16 for three in reply, recovered to 99 for four then slowed to 128 for six in in the last 20 overs. Hamish Gardiner carried his bat for 95.

The chase was discontinued and Plymouth finished well adrift on 214 for nine.

Last man Ali blocked out the final two overs to deny Sidmouth the fifth and final bowling point.

A dropped point is largely academic now for Sidmouth, who are 45 points clear of Exeter and Heathcoat at the top of the table.

A win at relegated Brixham this Saturday will clinch the title for Sidmouth skipper Luke Bess in his first season at the helm.

For the winning captain it was mission accomplished, even of Plymouth did old on nine wickets down.

“The target from the outset was 300, which we were on course for,” said Bess.

“Liam batted well but the partnership between Zak and Henry really took the game away from Plymouth.

“Bowling wise it was a good effort all round, but Plymouth never really went for the chase.

“It is difficult to bowl sides out at Sidmouth when they drop anchor.”

“It was a very good batting track and Sidmouth batted very well,” said Plymouth captain Sam Stein.

“It did a bit up top but after that it was very flat and we were unable to consistently hit our length.

“Dave Burke bowled really well in the circumstances

“This didn't allow us to get hold of the game especially in the second half of their innings.

“Sidmouth are a very good side and that's why they deserve to be where they are.”