AS the sun begins to shine again so a new cricket season has started. This year Sandford Cricket Club face the challenge of life in the Premier Division for the First Eleven and life in the new Division D West for the Second Eleven.

The First Eleven will take on the very best from around the county and the Seconds will be playing against some of the village First Eleven’s.

Availability will be a key issue and I am sorry to report that the first two weeks have not gone without a difficulty or two. Hopefully this will be resolved and the club can look forward to selecting from the top 24 or 25 cricketers in the Club.

This year has seen the arrival of Faisal Iqbal, a player who has represented Pakistan at Test level, and Chris Simpson, a player who has represented another cricket club in the Crediton area.

Two weeks into the season and both sides have reversed the disappointing result of the first week.

The First Eleven had a difficult opening game away to Sidmouth. There were knocks of 44 by Ryan Glass, 42 by Chris Simpson, 25 by Adrian Small and 24 by Richard Foan.

The total of 186 was competitive but probably 20 or 30 light of a good total.

At 126 for six Sandford could smell success but in the Premier League it will become evident that all sides will have strength in depth and so it proved as Sidmouth got over the line and won by three wickets.

There were four wickets for Richard Foan and three for Jamie Palmer.

This past weekend saw a nail-biting finish as Sandford defeated Bradninch by one wicket.

Put in to bat Bradninch were dismissed for 142 with Jamie Palmer taking four wickets and two each for Richard Foan and Chris Jelley, returning to the side after serving his suspension.

At 52 for 0 it looked plain sailing but then no-one stuck around long enough to build a partnership.

Faisal Iqbal, making his debut, top scored with 35, Neil Bettiss scored 29 but Chris Jelley crucially was there at the end unbeaten on 24.

A win gets the season going and this weekend the First Eleven make the short trip to Exeter.

The Second Eleven’s can record the same playing record as the First Eleven’s but will not want to be reminded too often of their opening match against Chardstock.

Shaun Hawkins had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat and although 160 looked a reasonable total to chase it had been inflated by bowling 22 wides.

There were three wickets for Harvey Blake and two each for Jem Fawsett and Simon Saunders.

What followed was a batting collapse not seen before by a Saturday Second Eleven as they were dismissed for the lowest ever total for a Sandford Second Eleven in the Devon League.

No-one made double figures as the team were bowled out for 28 in less than 14 overs and the match was finished just after 5.15pm!

This week proved that hopefully this was a one off. Put in to bat against Uplyme and Lyme Regis Sandford scored 205 for eight with 75 from Chris Blake, 35 from Shaun Hawkins, 39 extras and 21 from Rob Stoyle.

Sandford then demolished their opponents for 63 although once again there were 22 wides in this total.

Shaun Fryett took four wickets and Brian Leach three as the team put the nightmare of the first week well and truly behind them.

This week the Second Eleven’s are at home to Clyst St George, another team that will bring new challenges, so why not make the journey down to Creedy Park to watch the cricket and enjoy the amenities on offer.

Fixtures this weekend at Creedy Park: tomorrow, Saturday, May 19 - Second Eleven v Clyst St George, start 1.30pm; Sunday, May 20 - Sunday First Eleven v Newton Tracey, start 1.30pm.

Mike Canning