OLLIE SMITH REPORTING

SANDFORD'S Creedy Park is set to play host to the Devon T20 Finals Day tomorrow (Sunday), where Exmouth will be looking to be crowned the county’s short-form kings for the second year in a row. 

Last year’s final saw Exmouth defeat Bovey Tracey by 58 runs, Brendan Streather’s 30 ball 39 helped set an unassailable total. 

Twelve months on, the four teams battling it out are Bridestowe & Belstone, Cornwood, Sidmouth, and last year’s winners, Exmouth. 

Bridestowe & Belstone made it this far by defeating two Premier Division clubs, and they’ll have to defeat another two if they have aspirations of lifting silverware.

An unbeaten 59 from James Ewen saw them home against Sandford, and the quarter finals saw skipper Tallan Burns take matters into his own hands as he led his side to finals day. 

Explosive players can influence T20 cricket matches in a short space of time Bridestowe have two with the bat: notably Shaq Glasgow and Kian Burns.

Captain Burns is not in the business of putting pressure on players when it isn't needed.Far from it.

"As a club we’re immensely proud of the players for securing a place in this year’s finals day," said Burns.

"We’ve beaten two big, Premier clubs on the way, so who knows what Sunday holds? It’s a free hit for us so we’ll be going there to enjoy another big day for the club."

B&B’s opponents are Sidmouth, who edged out Cullompton in the first round in a high-scoring game. A rapid ton from Sam Elstone helped his side to set a target of 250, something Cullompton couldn’t reach, falling 37 runs short. 

The next round saw them edge out Thorverton by seven runs on the Fortfield, a tight opening spell from Tom Hodgson helped them on their way. 

Cornwood take on defending champions Exmouth in the afternoon semi-final. The Wood have defeated Exeter and Tavistock to reach finals day. 

Captain Elliott Staddon was quick to say his side were up against tough opposition, as he said: “Exmouth have to be the favourites, but I think anyone could win it.”

“They have some explosive players and it will take some going to stop them.”

On his squad, Staddon said: "We have 13 to choose from so our team hasn’t been selected yet. We will see how Saturday goes, but we are pretty much at full strength.”

“It only takes one player to have a day out in a T20 in my opinion, so I’m hoping for one of our guys to stick hands up, go big, and enjoy it.”

Exmouth go into Sunday on the back of two demolitions in the last two rounds, and James Horler is confident of his team’s chances.

"All eyes are on defending our title, and it’s never going to be easy, but we haven’t lost a T20 against a Devon side in a few years, so we feel prepared.”

Horler also shared Staddon’s sentiments on the individuality of a T20.

"These sorts of games can be dominated by one person, so we’re wary.”

The schedule for the day is as follows: Sidmouth v Bridestowe & Belstone (10am); Cornwood v Exmouth (1pm); final (4pm)