SO here we are at the start of another Devon League cricket season.

As I write this article the weather outside is cold and damp and one can only hope that in a very short time there will be a huge change and the summer days return so that all can enjoy the cricket and the hospitality on offer at Creedy Park, Sandford, for the next five months.

Already there have been indoor net sessions held and four warm-up matches in which 24 different players were involved. The final warm-up match was cancelled due to the weather but it is hoped that the winter signings and the return of players injured last year will help in getting strong sides out for much of the season.

Sandford CC is delighted to welcome Sandy Allen, former Devon wicketkeeper and batsman, Neil Maud, who has made the move from Whimple and Mike Cliff.

It is also good to see the return of former Devon all-rounder Trevor Anning and to be able to add our South African overseas player Ferisco Adams.

The first two warm-up matches saw Sandford host three 20/20 fixtures as part of the new format for the Devon Cup.

In the first game of the day Sandford defeated Barton CC by six wickets. Trevor Anning took two wickets as the visitors were restricted to 127 and then skipper Richard Foan led the run chase with an undefeated 57 as Sandford eased home with almost four overs to spare.

Later in the day Sandford defeated Plympton by eight wickets to progress to the next round.

Electing to bat first Plympton managed to reach 146 with Chris Jelley taking two for 23 but this proved nothing of a challenge to Sandford thanks to 41 from Chris Simpson and 45 not out from Sandy Allen and the target was reached with nearly five overs to spare.

Sandford fielded a very strong Eleven in the first North Devon League fixture of the season against last year’s champions Hatherleigh.

It turned out to be an excellent game but Sandford finished up losing by just 13 runs. In the home side’s total of 236 for eight Chris Simpson took three for 72 and there were two wickets apiece for Peter Steer and Chris Jelley.

The batting order then reflected the need to give some practice time in the middle and Neil Bettiss led from the front with an undefeated 101 and was ably assisted by Mike Cliff who scored 64.

Unfortunately no-one else was able to pitch in and therefore Sandford fell just short.

The final warm-up fixture allowed the North Devon Second Eleven open their account with a thumping victory over Filleigh.

Unfortunately the visitors have had to pull out of the Devon League because they are so short of players and this result tends to highlight their problems.

Sandford totalled 270 for five in a rain-reduced game of 34 overs with Chris Blake scoring 93 and Ben Clement 86.

Ben then took three for five and there were two wickets apiece for Neil Maud and Alex Stevens as Filleigh were dismissed for only 46.

So this weekend make that visit to Creedy Park and see the start of the Devon League season which begins tomorrow, Saturday, May 4, when the First Eleven take on Exeter CC with a 12.30pm start.

The bar staff will again be smiling behind the bar to serve you those drinks and the Sandford cricket tea is well-regarded as one of the best in the County.

Mike Canning