WITH rain wiping out most of the Devon league calendar on the final day of the regular season, it was quite amazing that over 1,000 runs were scored at Creedy Park last Saturday, as the rain never fell hard enough to stop either of Sandford’s Seconds or Thirds games from finishing, and more remarkably, not even losing any overs.

The Seconds entertained Upottery on the main pitch, and what a remarkable game it turned out to be.

Losing a wicket to the first ball of the match, and then on the third ball of the second over, Upottery recovered from 0 for 2 to reach a remarkable 333 for 6 from their 45 overs.

The recovery was initially started by A.Pulman who smashed his way to 46 off only 25 balls including 4 fours and 4 sixes.

Once he departed with the score on 67, skipper J.Mitcham carried on the carnage with 87 (76 balls, 7 fours, 4 sixes), followed by M.Broom 71 (71 balls, 7 fours, 1 six), B.Kidson 61no (49 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) and T.Smith 39no (35 balls, 4 fours).

All of Sandford’s bowlers came in for some tap, but young 15 year old Alfie Butterfield again showed his talent by claiming a couple of wickets for 56 runs from his 9 overs.

Very respectable considering the carnage that was going on around him. He is certainly one to watch for the future.

In reply the Seconds managed a very good effort to reach their goal.

With Ellie Bishop 56 (7 fours), Andrew Fry 59 (9 fours, 1 six), 16 year old Ollie Knight, promoted up the order, 25 (2 fours, 1 six) and the Seconds run machine this season, Tom Gidney 87 (41 balls, 10 fours, 4 sixes), getting Sandford within 31 runs of victory, before they were finally bowled out for 303 in the 41st over.

For Upottery J.Mitcham completed a good game for him personally by also claiming 4-83 (9) to go with his 87 runs.

R.Pulman who was bowled first ball of the game, claimed 3-54 (7.1) including the important wicket of Gidders, just when Sandford looked as though they had given themselves a good chance of an improbable victory.

And so the Seconds season draws to a close. They can be very proud of the season they’ve had, finishing third in C Division East.

They have been well led by Shaun Hawkins for most of the season, and Pete Steer when Shaun was called into the first team for the last few games. Well done lads (and Ellie), you did the Club proud.

For the Seconds and Thirds both teams have enjoyed remarkable success, probably over and above what they may have expected back at the beginning of May.

Hopefully lessons will have been learnt and everyone can now rest and re-assess requirements for 2026.

At this point I’d like to collectively thank all of the Club’s helpers – scorers, umpires, tea ladies, bar staff, ground staff, committee, captains and selection committee, coaches for both the youth section and senior players, and last but not least, our wonderful supporters including our amazing sponsors without whom we would not be able to financially provide the services we do at Creedy Park. Thank you one and all. See you all again hopefully in 2026.

Phil Matten