UNFORTUNATELY if you don’t take your chances when offered there is always the possibility that you are made to pay and this was the case for Sandford against visiting Exeter last weekend.

No batsman got used to the early season conditions apart from England international Tom Lammonby who was dropped before he’d scored 10 and then went on to add another 100.

The best the rest could muster was 20 as Exeter totalled 229 for nine with two wickets apiece for Richard Foan and Chris Jelley.

Apart from a stand of 60 between Neil Bettiss (24), and Adrian Small (21), the Sandford reply never really got going and due to a very generous 41 extras reached a total of only 140.

There is a chance to put this defeat behind them tomorrow, Saturday, May 11 as the First Eleven travel to Torquay who had an even poorer start to the season.

The Second Eleven Captain, Shaun Hawkins, had a very pleasing weekend. On Saturday he led his side to the narrowest of victories against newly promoted Kentisbeare.

Where scores of more than 300 are common the Sandford bowlers did extremely well to restrict their hosts to 213 for nine.

There were two wickets apiece for Alex Stevens and Greg Lewis but Shaun stole the show with five for 45.

He then led the reply scoring 70 and was ably assisted by Jason Matten who scored 61.

Chris Blake had got the innings off to a good start scoring 34 but then the rest managed to find ways of getting themselves out and it was down to the last pairing of Greg Lewis and Alex Stevens to see Sandford home by one wicket.

On Sunday Shaun was starring with the ball again as he took five for 40 in the North Devon League game against North Molton.

Unfortunately this was not enough to bring about victory as for the second time the Sunday First Eleven have lost picking up maximum losing bonus points.

Batting first Sandford scored 251 for four off their 40 overs with Chris Jelley top scoring on 83 and Dan Uren scoring 53.

Chris then took two wickets but North Molton got home by one wicket with four balls to spare.

So this weekend make that visit to Creedy Park and the bar staff will again be smiling behind the bar to serve you those drinks. The Sandford cricket tea is well-regarded as one of the best in the County

Saturday, May 11 Second Eleven v Chardstock CC, 1.30pm start.

Mike Canning