SANDFORD Seconds were the only Sandford team to lose last Saturday. In fairness they were a little understrength, and an injury to Ellie Bishop didn't help the poor start they made, after they elected to bat first at Ottery St Mary.

Thirty-one for four after 12.2 overs was not the ideal start, and factor in a freak injury to Ellie Bishop (she was hit on the elbow from a fielder's throw whilst running between the wickets) meant that in reality they were five down for not very many.

A slight reprieve came when Andy Fry, having returned from holiday, managed to get the better of the Ottery bowling as he cruised to 49 (10 fours) before he was eighth out with the score on 111. Only No.10 17-year-old Ollie Knight 20no (four fours) was the only other batter to reach double figures, as Sandford slowly grinded their way to 113 all out in only 34.2 overs.

Will Harrison 2-34 (8), Ben Major 2-7 (6) and John Buckland 3-30 (9) were the main instigators of the damage Ottery inflicted on the Sandford batters.

Ottery lost former Sandford opener Neil Davey for a duck in their reply, but then Sam Brook 26 (two fours) and Rhys Norman 54 (11 fours) took the game away from the Sandford lads with a second wicket stand of 42, which was then followed by another stand of 53 between Norman and Alex Clements 31 (four fours and a six).

In the end Ottery romped home at 115 for three in only 23.5 overs to inflict a seven wicket defeat on the Seconds. A return of only three points made it a bad day at the office for the Seconds.

Next Saturday the Seconds don't have a game, as the original opponents they were due to play withdrew from the League at the beginning of the season, so they will all hopefully enjoy a day at Creedy Park watching the Firsts and Thirds.

Phil Matten