SANDFORD 2nd XI followed their previous week's two close games with another nail-biter at Upottery last Saturday, before eventually losing by just one wicket.

Batting first Sandford didn't make a good start, and soon found themselves struggling at 54 for four. However, a fifth wicket stand 90 between Ben Chaloner 85no (seven fours) and Pete Steer 36 (three fours), helped improve things dramatically. With Archie Osborne then cracking a further 41 (three fours and a six from only 37 balls), and sharing a sixth wicket stand of 64 with Chaloner, the scoreboard looked much better viewing.

Elliot Butterfield 24 (two fours and six) joined Chaloner to take the innings to a close on 240 for six after their 45 overs. An excellent recovery, only losing two more wickets for the addition of 186 runs, and congratulations to Ben for batting the whole innings and in doing so being the "glue" the batting order needed.

For the home team opening bowler B. Kidson finished with 4-64 (nine).

Upottery's response appeared to be in disarray as wickets fell regularly, and at 99 for five the home side looked in trouble. However C. McCoy had other ideas and he guided the middle/lower order towards their target. He was eventually removed with the score on 222 for eight, but his excellent knock of 134 from only 94 balls, included 16 fours and five sixes, and most of the damage had been done.

With 18 runs still required it was left to R.Botley 20no (three fours) to see his team home by the narrowest of margins – one wicket, as Upottery reached 243 for nine off 43.1 overs.

Brothers Jonno and Ben Handley 3-35 (nine) and 2-46 (nine) respectively, together with Ollie Knight claiming 2-35 (eight) did their best to enforce the win the Sandford boys were after, but the Second team nemesis of a further 24 wides came home to roost on this occasion.

The loss still gave Sandford nine points, but will hopefully see them look to bounce back next Saturday, when they entertain Exmouth Seconds at Creedy Park with a 1pm start.

Phil Matten