I MUST start this week’s round-up at Sandford Cricket Club by first of all congratulating two of our 1st XI players – Jackson Thompson and Jamie Palmer – for being selected to play in the England Over 40’s squad to play against India’s Over 40’s at High Wycombe next Sunday week, May 28.

Jackson smashed 140 off 78 balls and Jamie claimed a couple of wickets in a recent inter-squad game, which confirmed their selections.

Another 1st XI youngster who needs recognition is Joe Hopkins. Joe made his Devon Lions debut last Sunday, and has also been included in the squad for this Sunday’s Lions match.

Well done Joe who was a persistent run scorer for his Devon age group last season. Thoroughly deserved.

Meanwhile Sandford’s 1st XI recorded their first Devon Premier Division win of the season last Saturday, when they defeated local rivals Exeter at Creedy Park by 29 runs.

Batting first Sandford recovered from a fairly desperate 128 for 6 to finally reach 280 for 7 when their allocated 50 overs ran out. This recovery was founded around a 7th wicket stand of 94 between Ryan Hunter and Ryan Glass.

Both played superbly before Glassy fell for an excellent 47 off only 49 balls (5 fours and a six), with Ryan Hunter going on to record his first century for the club, finishing on 107no from only 97 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes).

Earlier only newcomer Harry Southgate hung around long enough to trouble the scorers with 23 (4 fours).

Teenager Ben Handley 14 no (2 fours) then helped Ryan at the end of the innings, when they scored an unlikely 58 from the last 3.4 overs to give the home team a formidable score for their opponents to chase.

Exeter’s reply was given a positive start by opener Oliver Gribble, who smashed 53 from only 37 balls (9 fours and 2 sixes), and along with Somerset staffer Seb Linnitt 26 (5 fours) and Devon player Sam Read 51 (6 fours and a six), victory for the visitors was well within their grasp.

By the time Read was out, the score was 177 for 4 after only 28.4 overs, and it was then left to Exeter’s overseas star Cameron Fraser to try and guide the tail to victory.

When the 10th wicket fell with the Exeter score on 251, Fraser was left stranded on 84no (5 fours, 3 sixes) and Sandford won the game by 29 runs, and a very welcomed 20 points.

For Sandford there were two wickets apiece for Matt Jeacock, Jamie Palmer, James Theedom and Jackson Thompson.

This coming Saturday the 1sts travel to Cornwood with a 12.30pm start.

Phil Matten

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