SANDFORD Cricket Club's 1st XI woes continued last Saturday (June 14) following their visit to Cornwood in the Devon Premier Division.

Despite taking a couple of early wickets, Sandford were unable to take the initiative as Cornwood ended up scoring 214 all out after 49.3 overs. Jamie Palmer, returning from injury, made the initial breakthroughs and he finished with 2-12 (6 overs), with youngster James Theedom 3-45 and skipper Jackson Thompson 3-35 (10) taking the majority of the other wickets to fall.

Once again Sandford's fragile batting got them in trouble early on in their reply, as they slumped to 64 for 6 before eventually being bowled out for only 122 in 35.5 overs. Jackson Thompson 28 (5 fours and a six) Aryan Lakra 23 (3 fours) and Praison Alias 20 (1 four and a six) offering any form of resistance.

This result leaves Sandford in 9th spot, with a lot of work to do to turn things around in the remainder of the season, and a difficult trip to Sidmouth this Saturday (June 21), who are also not enjoying the best of seasons, meaning a win is almost becoming imperative. There is a 12.30pm start.

Last Sunday week also saw an understrength 1st team crash out of the Devon T20 Cup competition when they were beaten at Creedy Park by 7 wickets by A Division side Bridestowe and Belstone.

Batting first Sandford were only able to amass 143-8 in their 20 overs with Tom Gidney 33, youngster Zack Blewett 26 and Praison Alias 23, the only real batters to get the score board moving.

In reply Bridestowe strolled their way to victory in a controlled manner, only losing three wickets to finish on 144 for three in 19.1 overs.

Phil Matten