Tipton finished a poor second in their return fixture with Chulmleigh on Sunday.
With high hopes of reversing the defeat away to the same side last month, Tipton skipper David Birch was delighted to win the toss (itself a rare occurrence) and asked the visitors to bat.
His decision seemed vindicated as he and Alex Tubbs made good use of a damp pitch and overcast conditions to tie down the Chulmleigh openers, restricting them to only 20 from the first nine overs for the loss of opener Weeks, bowled by Tubbs, and the dangerous Sheahan, brilliantly run out by the ever-nimble Phil Wright.
That was to be the pinnacle of Tipton’s success as the other opener, Gidney, began to pile on the runs after a hesitant start. Wright and John Rodgers claimed a wicket apiece, but Gidney rode his luck, frequently slicing the ball in the air just beyond the fielders, on his way to a superb 124 not out. Tipton’s bowlers and fielders stuck to their task well, but it was clear that they would be facing a daunting total and so it proved as Chulmleigh finished on 227-5.
Openers Phil Tolley (23) and Keith Collins (8) saw off an accurate opening spell in a steady opening partnership of 38.
However, once the pair were separated wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
Justin Quick (13) and Jem Gillham (14) offered some resistance in contrasting styles: Quick with a straight and stylish bat whilst Gillham used the ‘hoik’ to leg with great effect!
Rodgers (15) continued the stubborn resistance, but by this time the task was impossible and Tipton were on 121 when the final wicket fell.