SANDFORD Cricket Club’s First XI’s recent run of success – three wins in their last four matches - came back down to earth last Saturday when they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of reigning Devon Premier League champions, and by the look of it, champions-elect this year, Bradninch and Kentisbeare, when they suffered an eight wicket, loss despite scoring 213-9 in their 50 overs when they themselves batted first.

Sandford’s innings never really got going from the off. There were decent starts from skipper Jackson Thompson 22, Lawrence Walker 25, Aryan Lakra 35, Ryan Glass 37 and young Ben Handley 20, but none of them went on to get a big score to set the foundation for the innings against a good B&K bowling attack, and an eventual total of 213 for nine appeared not to be too bad after falling to 102 for five at one stage in mid-innings.

However, B&K skippet Gary Chappell, promoting himself back to the top of the order, led his side to victory in only 40 overs, with an undefeated 112 (three sixes 18 fours), well supported by Theo Lamey 54 (two sixes 10 fours), as the home team moved 18 points clear at the top of the Premier Division following Paignton’s loss at Exmouth.

As a result Sandford dropped back to 7th in the division, and with Sidmouth winning at Tiverton Heathcoat the gap to the relegation zone has narrowed to 27 points.

Next Saturday the Firsts are at home to second placed Paignton with a 12.30pm start.

The Second XI suffered their second defeat on the bounce last Saturday, this time losing to Ottery St.Mary at Creedy Park by 41 runs.

Having been asked to bat first, Ottery steadily made their way to a formidable 229 for five in their 45 overs, with a good all-round batting performance from their early order batsmen led by their overseas star R.Norman with 70 not out.

For Sandford only veteran Brian Leach with two for 20 from his nine overs and Ellie Bishop one for 36 from her nine, managed to show any form of control against the strong Ottery batting line-up.

In response, Sandford made a modest start, but unfortunately, like the First XI, a number of batters got in, but never went on to get the big score their team needed.

Jon James, 20, skipper Shaun Hawkins 25, Byron Knowles 34 and Jack James 33 not out led the way, but in the end an all out total of 188 in 42.5 overs left the Sandford team 41 runs short, and in doing so suffered their second defeat in as many weeks.

Despite the loss, they still remain in the third place in Division C East with any chance of promotion now gone.

Next week the Seocnds travel to bottom side Alphington hoping to restore their winning ways, with a 1pm start.

COMMUNITY LEAGUE

Due to the expected onset of heavy rain last Sunday, a decision was made early last Saturday morning to postpone the Sandford Cricket Club Community League Finals Day until Sunday, August 10.

Apologies to everyone concerned, it was generally felt by most that it was a wise decision as the forecast was for heavy rain. It is hoped that we will see the sun shine brightly on August 10.

Phil Matten