LAST weekend there should have been 73 matches played in the Devon League.

As umpire for the Second XI, I met with Chris Theedom and his merry band of helpers at 9am to do a pitch inspection. Puddles were everywhere and the decision to call off the game was very easy.

In the County, six managed to start and of those only four reached a conclusion.

Unfortunately for Sandford Second XI, one of those was played at Braunton where the home team lost by 65 runs.

With the bonus points on offer Sandford only received six for their abandoned game, whereas Braunton got seven for losing and Exmouth got 18 as a reward for their victory.

It is an anomaly of the points structure in the Devon League that the weather can often play a crucial part in the final outcome of a season but as is quite often said "rules is rules!"

All fixtures in the leagues for the First XI and Third XI were cancelled so there is no difference there.

The Community League fixture between Crediton Rugby Club and Sandford Youth and Parents also became a victim of the weather as did the Devon Cricket 20/20 competition due to be held on the Sunday. However these matches will now be played this weekend.

Unless the Covid guidelines have changed by the weekend, Sandford Cricket Club will be able to welcome you all to the Creedy Park Club with a slight easing of restrictions.

Please remember to be wary of social distancing, but it could well be that the Pavilion will be accessible and groups of up to six might be able to socialise together inside.

I am sure that many of you will want to go and see the renovated interior and a grateful thanks go to all those who have put a renewed spark of life into the pavilion.

Tomorrow, Saturday, will see the First XI entertain Hatherleigh in the Devon League with the fixture starting at 12.30pm.

Sunday will see the delayed 20/20 tournament with a full day of cricket to entertain you.

Sandford host Exeter at 10.30am and then at 1.30pm, Exeter play Bovey Tracey.

After a nice spot of relaxation Sandford then return at 4.30pm, to play Bovey Tracey, who hopefully will be feeling a little jaded having just played!

On Tuesday Yeoford Cricket Club take on Crediton Rugby Club at 6.15pm in the Community League.

Plenty of opportunities to make that visit to Creedy Park. Could you all keep your fingers crossed for some better weather!

Mike Canning