Disappointment was in abundance when Covid led to the cancellation of the away fixture to bottom side Hatherleigh.
With the season being now decided on average points earned in games played, Tiverton were able to increase their marginal advantage by winning the fixture they played.
It was therefore so important that Sandford put in a strong performance against visitors, Sidmouth, which they did in great style.
Put in to bat the visitors were bowled out for 102 with Trevor Anning taking three for 18 and he was well backed-up by Josh King, two for 10, and Jamie Palmer, two for 35.
Zimbabwean, Johnathan Campbell top scored in the six wicket victory with 32 after Sandy Allen had opened up with 28 and Adam Small, school commitments finished, was there at the end undefeated on 27.
A trip to Paignton happens this weekend before the huge fixture the following week.
The Second XI have not found things easy this season but over the past two weekends have given themselves a massive chance of avoiding relegation. Fellow strugglers Ottery St Mary were completely outplayed as Sandford won by an incredible 169 runs.
In a total of 244 for three Lawrence Walker top scored on an undefeated 89. Tom Williams scored 76 and it was good to see Ryan Glass spending some time in the middle as he scored 31.
Harvey Blake then took three for 14 and Harty Everett three for 11 as James Theedom and Liam Gardner both took two wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 75.
Last weekend the team got revenge over near neighbours Shobrooke Park to reverse the result from earlier in the season.
The game followed a similar pattern to the home fixture but this time the big guns from Shobrooke failed to fire and Sandford ended up victorious by 25 runs.
Shaun Hawkins put in a skippers performance by not only top scoring with 68 but also taking three for 31. Shaun was well supported by Chris Blake, 45, and James Theedom, 30, but spare a thought for Jason Matten who, having given up his Saturday afternoon for a game of cricket, was run out without even facing a ball!
The pick of the bowlers was Shaun Fryett who took four for 29.
The Second XI do have a difficult final run in to the end of the season which means that every single bonus point earned by either scoring 40 runs or taking two wickets will become very important.
The Third XI are having a very successful first season in the Devon League and sit comfortably mid-table. There are some very strong teams in their division and Filleigh proved far too strong.
Elliott Butterfield top scored with 44 and Jemima Vereker put in a gutsy performance later on to finish undefeated on 32 after stand in captain Alex Stevens had scored 26.
The Sandford total of 179 for eight was never going to be enough and although Glyn Baker took two for 29 Filleigh got home by seven wickets.
Elliott Butterfield continued his fine form as he top scored with 63 not out and the Third XI chased down a total of 158 for eight and won by seven wickets.
Jack James had taken four for 21 and Elliott was well supported by Rob Smith who scored 26.
Fixtures for tomorrow (Saturday, August 7) - The Second XI v Sidmouth Second XI at 1pm.
Mike Canning