THE game between Sandford Second XI and Exmouth Second XI had the air of an early season match with 20 of the players struggling to acclimatise to conditions.

On a gloriously sunny afternoon Shaun Hawkins won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat.

The top order struggled to get the ball away and it was not until Chris Jelley was joined in the middle by Shaun that the Sandford innings really got going. Chris top scored with 78 and shared a fourth wicket partnership of 118 with Shaun who was dismissed for 56.

Chris was then needlessly run out when the score was 188 and rather than picking up maximum batting points the last five batsmen let the score just drift and finish on 199 for nine.

This total never looked like being challenged as the Exmouth batsmen also showed early season rustiness.

Greg Lewis took three for 20 but the middle order were ripped out by Shaun who took three for 27 and Chris who took two for 27.

There was some excellent fielding which restricted the run chase although rather too many dropped catches.

Exmouth finished on 125 for nine so a solid 74 run victory, 18 points on the board but probably a much stiffer test at home this week against what is often a very strong Sidmouth Second XI.

Things did not go so well for the First XI who lost the toss against Sidmouth and then watched them rack up a total of 261 for six.

Two new members to the side were the chief wicket takers as Andrew Buzza took three for 43 and Jackson Thompson two for 41.

The chase was never really on as wickets were lost on a frequent basis. Harrison Jones top scored with 51 and Jackson Thompson hit a brisk 41 but the game was lost at 160 for nine.

Jamie Palmer and Harry Everett then saw out the rest of the innings to earn an extra two batting points but defeat was confirmed on the final ball as Harry was out on the total of 216 leaving Jamie undefeated on 38.

Hopefully things will take a turn for the better this weekend when the First XI travel to Bovey Tracey.

It is always the intention for the Third XI to have a blend of youth and experience to help them compete in an adult league.

This was the case for the opening fixture played against Cullompton Third XI. Batting first, Cullompton scored 243 for seven with Archie Butterfield taking three for 34 and Ellie Bishop two for 45.

In reply Sandford scored 235 for nine with Joe Hopkins and Archie Butterfield both scoring 30.

To make sure everyone is given a game Matt Theedom always holds himself back to bat no higher than 10 and when striding to the wicket the score was 129 for eight.

He then helps the younger players see through the final overs and on this occasion he finished on 69 not out and the Thirds lost by eight runs picking up eight very useful points.

As this is my first article of the season a big thank you must be sent to all the volunteers who have been working during the winter on creating a second pitch at Creedy Park which should hopefully be ready for next season.

If you haven’t seen it then we look forward to welcoming you to a fixture which this Saturday (May 8), will involve the Second XI starting at 1pm.

Of course the bar will be open all afternoon!

Mike Canning