IT is beginning to look as though my Sandford Cricket Club reports are following similar patterns .

If a team plays at home then the outcome is far more successful than trips away.

Last weekend (Saturday, May 28) the Second XI played host to Braunton First XI and a victory was secured by 23 runs.

Batting first Sandford scored 209 for four with Jon James top scoring with 72.

It is interesting to note that when the first wicket went down the score was 34 and Tom Gidney had only scored one, and when Jon was second man out the score had moved to 99, so he was obviously scoring at a very fast rate. He was backed up by skipper Shaun Hawkins, finishing undefeated on 51, James Theedom 31 and Harry Everett 28.

Brian Leach, having proved his fitness in the Third XI, then led the attack by taking three for 48 and there were two wickets apiece for the Shaun’s, Fryett and Hawkins.

Looks a tricky game ahead this weekend with a visit to Ottery St Mary.

After victory the previous weekend the First XI would have been extremely delighted at tea having scored 271 for six against Bradninch.

Adam Small showed a return to form with 80 and there was a quick fire 78 from Andrew Buzza. Skipper Richard Foan scored 41 and Chris Jelley, making his first appearance for the team after impressive performances in the Second XI, finished unbeaten on 25.

Once again Gary Chappell proved a “thorn in the side” and, along with his opening partner Tim Piper, produced an opening stand of 221 with both helping themselves to centuries.

Andrew Buzza did remove them both later in the day but it was too little and a rather disappointing eight wicket defeat was the result.

Saturday, June 4 sees the bottom of the table clash with Hatherleigh and it can only be hoped that the home advantage pays dividends.

In the top of the table clash for the Third XI they lost by five wickets against Filleigh First XI.

Batting first saw Elliott Butterfield top score with 33 and there was 28 not out for Joe Hopkins, 24 for Liam Gardner and 22 not out for Matt Theedom.

Glyn Baker then took two for 30 and there was one wicket for both Alfie Butterfield and Finn Warren. A trip to Kentisbeare beckons this weekend.

The First XI’s second round National Club Championship fixture was abandoned when the visitors, Bridgwater, were on 130 for seven.

Jamie Palmer had taken three for 21 but this will now be played this weekend.

Fixtures for the week ahead:

Saturday, June 4 - First XI v Hatherleigh with a 12.30pm start.

Sunday, June 5 - First XI v Bridgwater with a 1pm start.

Tuesday, June 7 - Crediton Rugby Club v Three Little Pigs with a 6pm start.

Mike Canning