THIS definitely is my last report of the truncated Sandford Cricket Club season and it is right and proper to pay tribute to the many who have made cricket possible at Creedy Park.

The committee deserve great praise for the COVID secure arrangements put in place in the Bill Matten Pavilion and the awning and seating area made available for players and officials.

There is always the likelihood of missing out a particular individual and therefore it is right to say a big thank you to all those who have given of their time to ensure that cricket was once again seen during the summer months.

This extends to the selection committee who have regularly managed to get up to four sides out on the pitch every weekend, the ground staff who prepare the wicket and the outfield and continue to produce a standard which is the envy of many clubs in the County.

Thanks also go to all the scorers, umpires, bar staff, and supporters who have helped to make this an extraordinarily successful time for the Club both on and off the pitch.

It has been absolutely brilliant to see so many turn up to watch the cricket matches being played although maybe the lure of the Sandford Orchards cider has been the greater draw!

Whichever the reason it has helped the Club through what could have been a really difficult summer had there been no opportunity to play cricket at all.

It is also a credit to the Club that five County matches were held at the ground and many thanks to all those involved who once again produced the goods needed for such prestigious matches to be played.

Rather than naming individuals, which will always lead to omissions, all the hard work put in by everyone is so appreciated by Club, players and supporters alike and it is hoped that you all rest up well during the winter and come back in 2021 enthused to continue the sterling work that is done.

The final weekend of the season saw Foanie’s First XI make the long trip down to Cornwood to take part in the play off final for those who had finished runners-up in their mini league.

Put in to bat it looked like a lost cause when Sandford were first 33 for four and then 114 for six but Ryan Glass was in no mood to have come so far and not enjoy himself.

Ryan produced a life-time best of 143 off 135 balls in an innings which included both eight fours and eight sixes. To put this in perspective the next highest scorer for Sandford, apart from extras, was only 13!

Once Ryan reached the milestone of 100 he then just attacked the bowling and in an eighth wicket partnership of 63 with Ollie Squire, making his debut for the First XI, Ryan scored 56 of them.

A truly remarkable knock to end the season and one which took Sandford’s total to a very respectable 229 all out.

I was amazed to see that Foanie did not then hand the new ball to Ryan as it was obviously going to be one of those days when everything Ryan touched was going to turn to gold!

However, he turned to his trusty opening pair partnership of Jamie Palmer and Chris Simpson who reduced the home side to 21 for three and that really was game on.

The rest of the innings belonged to Harry Everett who bowled his eight overs and took five for 33 and it was fitting that the final wicket of the season should be taken by the skipper himself.

I am sure that Richard Foan will have seen plenty of positives to take from this team into next season when as I mentioned last week it is hoped that a little more normality has returned as to how the game is played.

Another who has saved his best form until the end of the season is Jem Fawsett.

Sandford played a friendly match against a touring side from Offley and Stopsley, who last played here in 1982.

Batting first they made 227 for three in their 40 overs with Jack Perry, Barny Butterfield and James Theedom taking a wicket each. As no-one else in the young side wanted to open the batting Matt Theedom went in and scored a quick fire 66.

Once Matt was out it looked as though the chase was going to be too much for the rest until Jem and Harvey Blake got together and started hitting the ball to all parts of the park.

Jem finished on 79 not out following up his impressive 50 the week before and led the side to a three wicket victory with just three balls of the innings left. Hopefully this form can be taken into next season!

“And now the end is near and so we face our final fixture!”.

There will be one final friendly fixture played tomorrow (Saturday) when the touring side have requested that the bar is open all afternoon so why not join them for a final visit to Creedy Park as the weather forecast looks to be set fair.

To all members and players, the AGM is being held over until COVID restrictions allow everyone to gather for such a meeting inside the pavilion but up until then your committee will be working hard to make sure that everything is well in place for the 2021 season.

Until then look after yourselves, keep safe and everyone looks forward to welcoming you back next year.

Mike Canning