By Ollie Smith

EXMOUTH secured their second successive Devon Twenty20 Cup after defeating Cornwood then Bridestowe & Belstone on finals day at Sandford’s Creedy Park. 

The Maer Ground side went into the day as the holders and intent on retaining their crown; their first hurdle would be Cornwood. 

The Wood won the toss and decided to bat, however were soon in trouble after losing openers Ben Privett (5) and Samarpit Joshi (0) by the end of the second over. 

Ben Beaumont (19), fresh from a hundred on Saturday, rebuilt with Matt Skeemer (36), and there were 20s also from George Thompson and captain Elliott Staddon as Cornwood finished their 20 overs with 137 all out. 

Exmouth opener Louis Morison was out early, but the partnership from numbers three and four, Dan Pyle and Ed Butler, saw them put on almost 100 before Butler was out for 37. 

Pyle kicked on to reach his 50, and he was supported by Cam Kidd (17no) as Exmouth reached their target, three wickets down, in the 15th over.

Sunday’s earlier semi-final saw Bridestowe & Belstone progress against Sidmouth thanks to an administrative error. 

Bridestowe & Belstone were told to bat first, and thanks to 82 from Shaq Glasgow reached an impressive total of 189 for four from their 20 overs. 

In response, there were 40s from E J Cunningham (47), Taylor Ingham-Hill (48no) and Ethan Chiappe (41), meaning Sidmouth reached their target with three balls left. 

There was a twist in the tale, as George Addy’s previous role in this competition with Exeter rendered ineligible, so Bridestowe & Belstone progressed.

Although the competition rules don’t permit cup-tied players to re-appear, an error checking the team-sheet meant Addy’s inclusion in Sidmouth’s side was not spotted.

A replay with Addy not included was suggested, but the schedule for the day meant the second-semi-final might run into time issues – and the final definitely would not be played.

And as the winners go through to the ECB West play-off in two weeks’ time, there was no gap in the diary for a re-run.

The final between B&B and Exmouth saw Bridestowe win the toss and bat. This time, there was no anchoring knock from Glasgow, although captain Tallan Burns (37) and Tom Fogerty (43) got themselves in and set. 

George Greenway was the pick of the Exmouth bowlers, as his four overs only went for 14 runs, and he picked up the wickets of both B&B openers. 

Exmouth’s response was to come out firing. Morison raced to 31 before he was out, and Dan Pyle scored a quick 33. James Horler anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, and it was Kidd who scored the winning runs, a four off the bowling of Ryan Dennis confirmed Exmouth’s status as Devon’s short-form kings. 

Exmouth captain Fin Marks was delighted with his side’s all-round game in the semi-finals, saying: “It was probably the best fielding and bowling display I have been a part of.

On the final, Marks said: “George [Greenway] and Pete [Turnbull] bowled a serious opening spell and that killed the game for Bridestowe We were in control from ball one.

“Louis Morison got a few away early in our chase, then James Horler and Dan Pyle showed their class and we were never in trouble.”

Exmouth are still waiting to find out which other teams have qualified for the national play-of qualifier at Bridgwater.