A TRIP to Kingsteignton for Sandford Cricket Club’s Third XI saw them travelling to South Devon last Saturday hoping to maintain their position at the top of G Division Central.

Led by opener Elliott Butterfield, who not for the first time this year, Sandford or rather Elliott, smashed their way to an impressive 255 all out in their 40 overs.

Elliott’s knock of 177 from only 126 balls included 23 fours and 8 sixes to help set his team up for a formidable total.

With skipper Alex Stevens 27 (5 fours) the only other batter to make a worthwhile score, it showed the importance on Elliott’s knock. Gaining maximum batting points was essential.

In reply Torquay Thirds were up against it from the start with opening bowler Glyn Baker yet again claiming another 3 wickets for 32 (8).

His early order wicket taking this season is one of the main reasons the Thirds are doing so well.

With wickets falling at regular intervals it was left to 15 year old “leggie” Tom Harding to “mop up” the tail by claiming 3-25 (3.2) to ensure Sandford bowled their host out for 187 in 38.2 overs to gain another maximum 20 points.

This was just as well as their fellow title contenders North Molton, also claimed 20 points from a comprehensive victory over Cheriton Fitzpaine.

This Saturday the Thirds travel to Hatherleigh Thirds for another very difficult game with a 1pm start looking to avenge an earlier season defeat at Creedy Park, and maintain the current 2 point advantage they hold on North Molton.

Phil Matten