AS the weekend approaches the excitement levels grow for players as they find out which team they have been selected for.

By Friday, at the latest, the teams are posted on the Club’s Facebook page and from then on it is down to the weather.

This last week the weather could not have had a greater say in the outcome for each of the three sides.

By Friday the Sandford CC Third XI had been informed that there was no chance of a game at Filleigh as the ground was waterlogged and there was no chance for it to dry out in time for a game to be played on Saturday afternoon. No problem there!

The Second XI were advised that it was still very wet at Ottery St Mary but it should probably dry out in time for a game to be played in the afternoon even if with reduced overs.

Travel took place and there was total disappointment on arrival to see that although the home team were undoubtedly doing their best to make the ground playable the outfield still resembled more a swimming pool than a cricket outfield.

After a wait of about an hour and no improvement whatsoever in conditions the decision was reluctantly made to cancel the fixture and the players went to one of the local pubs for lunch before returning to watch the First XI.

At Creedy Park, due to the sterling efforts of Chris Theedom and his team of groundsmen, the game not only was played to completion but was actually able to start at the prescribed time!

It led to a near perfect performance from Sandford, admittedly helped by skipper Richard Foan winning the toss and asking Hatherleigh to bat.

After a solid start the visitors then lost wickets on a regular basis and it was only their overseas Zimbabwe international who made any decent contribution.

Jamie Palmer took 1 - 11 off his 10 overs and Harry Everett came on towards the end to take the final wicket.

In between there were two wickets apiece for Josh King, really settling into life with the Kingfishers, Harrison Jones, Pete Steer and Richard Foan as Hatherleigh were dismissed for 142.

Ryan Glass scored 31 off 44 balls and there then followed a match winning partnership of 90 between Harrison Jones, finishing 52 not out off 106 balls, and Lawrence Walker, 37 not out off 78 balls, as Sandford strolled home to win by seven wickets with seven overs to spare.

It is very early days and with so many games affected by rain the league table is very congested but currently the First XI lie second with a trip to Sidmouth this coming weekend.

The 20/20 day, due to be held last Sunday, was a casualty of the weather and will now be played on Bank Holiday Monday.

Before this, for the first time in years, Sandford will welcome Shobrooke Park for a Devon League fixture.

The ladies entertain North Devon on the Sunday.

Plenty to keep you occupied over your socially distanced drink while visiting Creedy Park.

FIXTURES

Saturday, May 29 - Second XI v Shobrooke Park First XI - 1pm, Sunday, May 30 - Ladies v North Devon - 1.30pm,

Monday, May 31 - 20/20 Tournament - 10.30am, Tuesday, June 1 - Three Little Pigs v Sandford Youth and Parents.

Mike Canning