Exeter scramble last-ball win over Sidmouth with final pair at crease | 'An exceptional game of cricket to both play in and watch' – Charlie Clist

SIDMOUTH dropped back into the Premier Division bottom two following a dramatic one-wicket defeat by Exeter.

Exeter arrived at the final over, to be bowled by Tom Hodgson, needing two to win with two wickets in hand.

Sam Read was not long out for 80 off 72 balls, which had got the target down to four from the final two overs. Then the runs tried up.

One run came off George Bower’s (2-13) penultimate over,  followed by four dot balls and a wide from Hodgson. One to win; two balls left.

Alex Jarman was run-out off the penultimate with the scores level. Jeremy Tojy and last man Harrison Gribble somehow scrambled a single to consign Sidmouth to defeat.

Charlie Clist, the Exeter skipper, said it was heart-in-the-mouth stuff at the end.

“After Alex Jarman missed three consecutive deliveries, a run-out brought Jeremy Tojy to the crease, who calmly hit a single off the last ball to seal the win,” said Clist.

It was quite a finish, which will be no consolation to Sidmouth, who have replaced Heathcoat in the bottom two.

Sidmouth need to win at Plymouth this Saturday, and hope North Devon do them a favour by beating Heathcoat to reverse the current standings.

Jash Patidar (41), Anthony Griffiths (71) and Luke Bess (77) were Sidmouth’s main run scorers in a total of 256 for nine.

Sam Read took five Sidmouth wickets for 40 runs to help slow them after they reached 227 for three. 

Runs from Sam Mycock (40), skipper Charlie Clist (30) and Read put Exeter ahead of the clock before the go-slow at the end.

“An exceptional game of cricket to both play in and watch,” said Clist.

“The stand-out performance was Sam Read’s for his five-wicket haul and 80-run match-winning innings.”

Bess, the Sidmouth captain, said: “We played well in patches but didn't do enough.

“Very frustrating/disappointing – and a massive opportunity for us missed.

“Sam Read was the difference.”