SANDFORD Cricket Club thirds, like the firsts have had one loss and a convincing win.

The issue with third team cricket is it depends on who's available for us and for the opposition, as team strengths can vary remarkably.

The first weekend saw the boys venture to Westleigh in North Devon to take on North Devon thirds with a very inexperienced side. The home side batted first and knocked up 240 from their 40 overs, but when you consider that two of their batters scored 91 and 54 and Sandford gave away 50 extras, it goes to show how fickle the results of these games can be.

For Sandford Glyn Baker took 3-21(8), Tom Harding 3-42 (7) and U15 Jonny Handley 2-43 (8) but the North Devon innings was built around a partnership of 112 for their fifth wicket, and no doubt there were a few dropped catches in there somewhere.

Sandford's response came from skipper Alex Stevens 51 (8 fours) and Zac Blewett who blasted 84 for 84 balls with 6 fours and 6 sixes, a great effort from an U16 year youth prospect. However when his luck ran out Sandford subsided form 202 for 5 to 207 all out to lose by 33 runs, but still claimed maximum batting and bowling points i.e. 10 points from the loss.

Last weekend, due to availabilities in the firsts and seconds, our thirds were exceptionally strong. The evergreen Jon James partnered U15 Jonny Handley at the top of the Sandford innings and together they added 231 for the first wicket against a weak Exwick 2nds side, with JJ stroking his way to 130 (77 balls 5 sixes 17 fours) and guiding Jonny to his maiden century in senior cricket with 121 (126 balls 12 fours 1 six) - what a prospect this lad is together with his brother Ben who normally plays in the seconds.

Will Street saw the innings through with 27 no as Sandford racked up 316 for 3 in the 40 overs.

In reply Exwick never recovered from 27 for 6 and were eventually bowled out for 116 in only 26 overs. Veteran bowler Brian Leach did most of the early damage taking 3-37 (8), including his 500th wicket for the Club. What a legend he is, as well as being the club's social media guru. Glyn Baker outdid him mine on the day with 4-12 (6) and Emily Wilson wrapped the game up with her “dibbly dobblies” at the end 2-18 (5).

Maximum 20 points attained and up to fourth in the table. A local derby awaits the thirds this weekend (May 17 and 18) with a short trip up to Cheriton Fitzpaine, 1pm start.

Phil Matten