SANDFORD Cricket Club's 1st XI recovered from their record defeat of the previous week, by beating reigning Devon Premier League Champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare at Creedy Park last Saturday by 36 runs.

Batting first, Sandford made a steady start as they moved to 128 for three, thanks mainly to an excellent knock of 61 from Jackson Thompson (10 fours) and 24 from Harry Southgate (five fours).

However upon JT's departure the innings quickly subsided to 133 for six, and it was left to Harrison Jones together with initially Ryan Glass 17, then Tom Maidment 18, and finally Matt Jeacock 10no, who shared stands of 44, 30 and 25 (from only seven balls) respectively, to push the Sandford total to 232 for eight after their 50 overs. Harrison finished undefeated on 53 (nine fours and a six), and welcomed return to form.

For Bradninch skipper Gary Chappell was his normal miserly-self with 3-19 from his 10 overs, followed by their new overseas star Muhammad Ismail 2-34 (10).

In reply Bradninch quickly subsided to 31 for three, before a fourth wicket stand of 95 between Mitchell Pugh 39 (two fours) and Dan Hardy 52 (six fours) appeared to be getting the visitors back on track.

However 126 for three soon became 134 for five, with both of Pugh and Hardy out, and then no one else was able to grasp the mantle. Bradninch innings eventually closed on 196 all out in 47.4 overs to give Sandford an impressive and much needed 19 point victory by 36 runs.

The star bowler for Sandford, unexpectedly, was Ryan Glass, who winkled out the middle/lower order with 4-33 (8.4), along with two wickets each for opening bowlers Matt Jeacock 2-37 (10) and Jamie Palmer 2-28 (six), plus Jackson Thompson also weighing-in with 2-28 (10). Overall though it was an excellent performance by the Sandford players, especially in beating the reigning league champions for the past two years so comprehensively.

This Saturday, the Firsts travel to league-leaders Exmouth for a 12.30pm start, but unfortunately will be without three of this past week's winning team. However, no doubt they'll give it their best.

Phil Matten