LAST Sunday saw Sandford Cricket Club’s new Development XI play their first match at Creedy Park in the S.Devon league. Their opponents were Royal Devon who they beat last week at Winslade Park in a close match that the Sandford team came out on top in.

Sunday saw another close match with Royal Devon clinching victory by one wicket in the last over of the game, with one factor in particular proving very vital as to why the young Sandford team lost.

Batting first the very young Sandford XI, led by 17 year-old Joe Hopkins, amassed a formidable 231 for eight from their 40 overs.

The innings was founded on knocks of 39 from opener Zac Blewett, 38 from skipper Hopkins, 23 from Jonno Handley, and towards the end of the innings a late surge of 52* from 16 year old Rhys James, including five fours and three sixes from only 25 balls.

In reply wickets fell steadily for Royal Devon, and at 182 for seven it looked like the young Sandford XI would complete the double over their opponents. However, opener Joseph remained and his 57* proved to be vital as he guided his team home with four balls to spare with the last man at the crease.

However, there was one vital twist to the Royal Devon scoreboard that can't go away without being mentioned. The highest scorer for the opposition was Extras - 79 in all, including a staggering 52 wides.

Not only did these have a big swing on the outcome of the match, but it's also the extra balls the young Sandford team had to bowl. Instead of making it an even 40 over match, it would have meant Sandford bowling more like 48 overs, which gave their opposition a distinct advantage.

A harsh sense of reality, but one which hopefully these Sandford youngsters can learn from.

Skipper Joe Hopkins did his best to ensure his side gained the victory they were after with four for 34 from his eight overs, but alas to no avail.

Nine of the starting XI are all part of the current Sandford youth set up, and despite this defeat, this bodes well for the future of the club going forward.

They have another chance to put their skills to the test this coming Sunday when Cullompton are the visitors to Creedy Park with a 2pm start.

Phil Matten