AT the half-way point of the season both Sandford Cricket Club sides are in a position where greater consistency is needed to produce results that will either avoid them worrying about the threat of relegation or still challenging for promotion.

After three consecutive defeats the First Eleven finds itself in eighth place only two points and one place above the relegation spots.

The Second Eleven are placed fifth, only eight points above the relegation zone, but only 12 points behind the promotion spot.

With the sides being strengthened by better availability hopefully the results will soon show a change for the better.

The First Eleven has lost against Tiverton Heathcoat, Sidmouth and more disappointingly against lowly Exmouth.

Sandy Allen top scored with 63 against Heathcoat but only skipper Richard Foan managed to stay with him scoring 53 as Sandford were dismissed for 161.

The visitors cantered to victory by eight wickets.

The following week the only innings of any note was that of Trevor Anning who scored 59 in a very disappointing total of 132.

The hosts knocked off the runs for the loss of three wickets in under 30 overs.

Last Saturday (June 29) there were useful contributions from a lot of the batsmen on a good Sandford wicket.

Ryan Glass led the way with 52 and was joined by Richard Foan (41), Harrison Jones (30), Shaun Hawkins (29), Trevor Anning (22) and Pete Steer (21), in a total of 272 for nine.

However numerous dropped catches did not help the cause as Exmouth scampered to the total for the loss of four wickets.

Tomorrow, Saturday, July 6, the First Eleven make the short trip to Exeter and it must be hoped that the hosts will not be packed with all their Somerset stars.

SECOND ELEVEN

The Second Eleven made light work of their trip to Feniton. Shaun Fryett took five for 29 and Matt Theedom two for 15 as the home team was dismissed for 108.

Thirty overs later and the win was secured by five wickets with Ben Clement leading the way undefeated on 34.

Wickets were hard to find the following week against Upottery with only Matt Theedom taking three for 34 in the visitor total of 226 for four.

Ashley Baker top scored with 78 and Matt Theedom scored an undefeated 57 assisted by Jim Shepherd (39) and Shaun Hawkins as Sandford romped home by six wickets.

After a decent run of form there was a reversal of fortunes at Sampford Peverell and Tiverton.

Matt Theedom once again proved to be the pick of the bowling attack with figures of three for 37 but a total of 272 for six was always going to be a big target to chase down.

Jim Shepherd (45), Ben Clement (36), and Chris Blake (31), made starts but no-one could go on to make the big score needed as Sandford were bowled out 66 runs short.

Fixtures for this weekend are: Saturday, July 6 Second Eleven v Kentisbeare First Eleven 1.30pm start; Sunday, July 7 First Eleven v Bratton Fleming First Eleven 1.30pm start.

Mike Canning