THANKFULLY Sandford Cricket Club’s First XI returned to winning ways last Saturday with a much-needed victory away against Sidmouth.

Batting first, Sandford totalled a formidable 236 for seven in their 50 overs with contributions down the order from skipper Jackson Thompson leading the way with 57 (five fours, two sixes), Lawrence Walker 30 (five fours), Harrison Jones 35 (four fours) and Praison Alias 25no (three fours).

A second wicket stand of 81 between JT and Lawrence paved the way for a decent score for the opposition to chase.

In reply, Sidmouth made the worst possible start, as their first two wickets fell without any score on the board.

A gradual procession of wickets eventually saw the Sidmouth innings fold with their score on 142 after 40 overs.

For Sandford, young James Theedom used his pace to claim three-21 from seven overs (all bowled), supported by Aryan Lakra with three-27 (nine).

This result moved Sandford up to eighth in the Premier Division table, dropping Sidmouth into the bottom two.

Next week, the Firsts are home to bottom club North Devon, who are still looking for their first win of the season, and as such shows the importance of what another victory could mean.

The game at Creedy Park has a 12.30pm start.

Phil Matten