SANDFORD Cricket Club's Second team suffered a rare defeat last Saturday at home to Bradninch and Kentisbeare Seconds by five wickets.

On a flat pitch at Creedy Park, none of the Sandford batters took advantage of the starts they made with Jon James 26 (four fours), skipper Shaun Hawkins 29 (three fours), Byron Knowles 35 (six fours), Archie Osborne 28 (two fours), Andy Fry 33 (four fours) and Ellie Bishop 20 the main scorers in a total of 204 for eight in their 45 overs.

However, B&K's response was very positive as they rattled along at a rapid rate and eventually reached their goal of 205 for the loss of only five wickets. Only skipper Hawkins made any noticeable in-roads into the B&K batting with 2-35 from his nine overs.

Defeat is always disappointing, but in realistic terms the aim of the Seconds is to maintain their place in C Division West, and despite this loss they are still third in their league. Next week sees the Seconds make the long trip to Upottery with a 1pm start.

Phil Matten