THIS was not a normal game played between the Second XIs of Sandford and Sidmouth.

Very often there is a lot of high standard cricket with the result often being in doubt until the last moment.

On this occasion it was so one sided that Sandford could afford to drop five catches, give away nearly 40 extras and still win by eight wickets with more than 13 overs left.

The Sidmouth Captain won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like an excellent wicket but his side just never got going.

Shaun Fryett took two for 21 and Archie Osborne two for 14. There were two run outs and the other four wickets were shared.

After tea it was more one way traffic as birthday boy Jon James hit everything on offer on his way to a quick fire 50.

He was joined at the top of the innings by Ryan Glass showing a return to form as the pair put on over 100 for the first wicket.

Ryan was eventually out for 54 but this left Rickie Hopwood, 39 not out, and Chris Jelley, 21 not out, to see Sandford home and continue their near perfect start to the season.

The same cannot be said for the First XI who have not had a good start to the season in the League but found their fortunes changed in the first round of the National Club Championship.

Playing at home to Newport CC the visitors won the toss, elected to bat and were then bowled out for 165. Jamie Palmer took three for 26 and there were two wickets apiece for Jake Griffiths, Richard Foan and Tudor Morgan-Huggett.

This target was easily reached with more than 11 overs to spare as Harrison Jones top scored with 53, Richard Foan 34 and then finished off by Shaun Hawkins with 21 not out.

The day before the First XI could not find a way of removing the overseas player from Bovey Tracey and were disappointingly beaten by four wickets with two balls to spare.

Batting first, Sandford scored 224 for eight with Richard Foan top scoring on 50, Andrew Buzza 45 and Harrison Jones 27 not out.

Jamie Palmer took three for 17 and Harrison Jones two for 36 but there was no way past the attack of the Afghanistan batsmen until the winning post was almost in sight.

The Third XI were handed a victory as Kenn Second XI could not raise a side.

This weekend’s fixture: First XI v North Devon - 12.30pm start.