NEVER has persistent rain been so appreciated by everyone at Sandford Cricket Club.

With the distinct possibility of relegation from the Devon Premier Division looming over their heads, Sandford Cricket Club’s First XI were praying for either a positive result from their last game of the season at North Devon, or at least matching whatever Tiverton Heathcoat did in their home game to Cornwood.

Holding a nine point advantage over Heathcoat prior to both matches commencing, but with Sandford on a poor run of results, and Heathcoat on a relatively good run, Sandford’s prayers were answered when persistent rain eventually put paid to either game having a positive result.

At North Devon the home team won the toss and decided to bat.

Despite a delayed start they had progressed to 45 for two when the heavy rains eventually came to avoid any further play.

From Sandford’s point of view the two wickets that fell gained them an extra point.

Meanwhile at Heathcoat only four balls were bowled before the weather set in, and the game was abandoned around 4pm.

So, in the end, Sandford finished in eighth place in the Premier Division, 10 points above the drop zone.

Commiserations to both Heathcoat and North Devon on their relegations, but no doubt both teams will feature strongly in the A Division next year, and looking to regain their Premier positions at the start of the 2027 season.

And so after many sleepless nights, members of Sandford Cricket Club can breathe easily, at least for the next eight months, until the 2026 season starts all over again.

The 2025 season has hardly been one to celebrate the First XI’s results, but thankfully they live to fight another season in the Premier Division.

To say this season has been a shock to the system for the First XI, is somewhat of an understatement.

Phil Matten