SIDMOUTH are up to third in the Premier table courtesy of a 33-run win in the derby tussle with Exmouth.

Opener Josh Bess hit a top score of 70 in Sidmouth’s total of 223 for five.

Stands of 89 with Dec Lines (41) and 70 with Luke Bess got Sidmouth up to 130 for two.

Anthony Griffiths (35) and Matt Cooke (37) put on 59 more before the overs ran out.

Callum French (3-54) was the only Exmouth bowler to have much success.

Exmouth lost opener Richard Baggs in the first over – and Sandy Allen soon after – both to Josh Bess (2-33).

David Lye (48) and Bob Dawson (46) fought back and at 125 for four when the latter got out it was game on.

The rest of the middle-order largely misfired. French made 31 and Billy Rudolph 21, but that was it as Exmouth faded to 190 all out. Bess, Charlie Miles and Max Hancock had two wickets each.

Sidmouth (3rd) are six points clear of Exmouth (4th) with three games to go.

Exmouth are at Exeter this Saturday; Sidmouth host Heathcoat.