NOT too much to report this week as the weather totally washed out all four Devon League games for Sandford Cricket Club last weekend.

However, the Firsts did play their first match of the season in the Tiflex Devon T20 Cup last Wednesday week. Having had a bye in the First Round, they faced Hatherleigh at Creedy Park and I'm pleased to say they came away with a 48-run victory.

Batting first, Sandford were given a sound start when the belligerent Jackson Thompson got to work smashing a quick 23 from only nine balls (two fours, two sixes), ably supported by Tambir Khan, our overseas star with 49 (32 balls, four fours, three sixes) and skipper Adam Small 26 (two fours, two sixes). Together they had all pushed the score to 132 for four before Tanbir was eventually out, one short of a half-century.

It was then left to Tom Maidment 34no (23 balls, two fours, two sixes) and Ben Chaloner, following on from his 92 at Exmouth the previous weekend, with 28no (19 balls, two fours and a six) to see the innings through to its end with an unbroken partnership of 40 for the fifth wicket, as they brought the innings to a close at 172 for four from their 20 overs.

Charlie Presswell, with a couple of early wickets, was the only Hatherleigh bowler to cause any real concern to the Sandford batters.

In reply, Hatherleigh were unable to get a decent partnership together to create too many issues for Sandford, and with wickets falling regularly, only J.Probert 31 (three fours) defended for any great period of time.

From a Sandford prospective, the emergence of opening 17 year old bowler Ollie Knight was great to see, as he toppled the early order visiting batters and eventually finished with three for 25 from only three overs.

Jackson Thompson once again proved difficult to get away, as he took 2-12 (four) and Tom Maidment wrapped up a good game for him personally, with 3-9 (two), as Hatherleigh were eventually bowled out for 124 off the last ball of their 20 overs.

This coming weekend the Firsts travel to Hatherleigh for a 12.30pm start, the Seconds are at home to Heathcoat Seconds (1pm), the Thirds are at home to Teignmouth and Shaldon Seconds (1pm) and the Fourths travel to Culmstock Seconds (1pm).

On Sunday the North Devon League team are at home to Westleigh with a 1pm start.

Best of luck to all teams.

Phil Matten