Sampford Peverell & Tiverton CC cup-winning team. Back (left to right): Chris Ferro, Cam Dennis , Harry Everett (captain), Robbie Broomhead; front: Joe Parkinson, Tom Hatton.

CHUDLEIGH’S hopes of an indoor cricket double were shattered when they ran into Sampford Peverell & Tiverton in the final of the Exeter Club Cricket League.,

Chudleigh, who were newcomers to the competition, topped the six-team league and won it without losing a game.

A place in the cup final was achieved by defeating Newton St Cyres by five wickets after chasing down 74 to win in the semi.

Chudleigh with their league trophyFinals night in the Cricket Centre on the University of Exeter campus was a nail-gnawing affair as both games went down to the final over.

The first game was the outstanding semi-final between a young Exeter side and Sampford Peverell & Tiverton.

Exeter were restricted to what looked to be below par score of 96 for three from their 112 overs. All the wickets fell to run-outs. Devon under 14 player Fin Hill was the stand-out batter with a mature 24 not out.

A second wicket stand between Sampford skipper Harry Everett and Robbie Broomhead looked to have set the Mid-Devon side up for a comfortable victory.

A nervous batting performance saw a flurry of wickets fall and it was left to last man standing Broomhead (39no) to see his team home with one ball remaining.

The final was equally exciting. Chudleigh had beaten Sampford Peverell by 12 runs in their last league game and were looking to complete the league and cup double.

Chudleigh made a stuttering start as two run-outs, and a superb catch by Broomhead left skipper Will Heather to rescue the situation. Heather constructed a classy 40 not out to get his side to a competitive 102 for four.

Everett and Ferro gave SP&T a positive start before having to retire on 25.

Three run outs put a different complexion on the game and led to the return of Everett and Ferro.

Everett, who finished on 36 not out, scored the winning runs off the penultimate ball.

Although there was no league and cup double for Chudleigh, it is not all over yet. They will play University of Exeter in Plymouth on Sunday, February 2 to decide who will represent Devon in the ECB National Indoor Cricket Competition.