SANDFORD Cricket Club’s First XI are now in a serious relegation battle following their latest defeat at home to Sidmouth last Saturday.

In a game they really needed to win, and which if they had, would have secured their Premier Division status as it happens, their last game of the season at bottom club North Devon takes on even more significance.

Having won the toss and asked Sidmouth to bat last Saturday, Sidmouth looked like they were going to make a substantial total when they reached 143 for 2 thanks to Charlie Gaywood 47, Josh Patidar 39 and skipper Luke Bess 34 putting their side in a strong position.

However, a fightback after drinks saw the Sandford bowlers gain some form of respectability as Sidmouth’s eventual score of 240 for 8 in their 50 overs was probably about 40 runs short of what they wanted.

The Sandford bowling was led by Jamie Palmer 2-33 (8), Jackson Thompson 2-35 (10) and Aryan Lakra 2-45 (10).

In reply, despite losing an early wicket, Lawrence Walker and Ryan Glass started to very effectively repair the damage with a second wicker stand of 98, and in fairness made things look fairly easy, before Lozzer fell for 44 (5 fours).

Unfortunately Glassy followed soon after for an excellent 53 (8 fours).

Ninety eight for one soon became 131 for 4 and although Adam Small did his best to guide the lower order, when he fell for 38 (4 fours) at 202 for 7, the writing was on the wall.

An eventual total of 229 for 9 left the Sandford lads 11 runs short of the required target.

The only consolation was that they picked up 8 points from this defeat, and with Heathcoat also picking up 8 points for their defeat in Exeter, the gap between Sandford and Heathcoat remains at 9 points with just this Saturday’s games to play.

Heathcoat are at home to Cornwood, whilst Sandford travel to Instow to play North Devon both with 12.30pm starts.

To add to Sandford’s woes, overseas star Aryan Lakra will miss this game as he has had to return home to join in one of the Franchise outfits he plays for in the UAE.

Although he is probably the first to admit he hasn’t had the season he would have hoped for, the Club would like to thank him for his efforts over the past two seasons, both on and off the field of play.

Phil Matten