WHAT had started out as a very sad week for Sandford Cricket Club, with the news of the death of President Bill Matten at the age of 94, ended on a high with victory for the first time this season for all three teams.
Each match started with either a minute’s silence or clapping in remembrance of Bill and he was obviously shining down to allow all sides victory.
The First XI knew their bottom of the table clash with Hatherleigh would be a tight affair and so it proved to be.
Asked to bat first Sandford were in all sorts of trouble at 46 for four but then Andrew Buzza joined skipper Richard Foan and both continued their excellent form at the start of the season.
Richard scored 71 and Andrew 44 as they shared a partnership of 115 and with Laurence Walker chipping in with an undefeated 20 the home side were able to post a target of 214.
Hatherleigh were always behind the clock after a miserly spell of zero for 16 off his 10 overs from Jackson Thompson.
As they tried to increase the run rate there were two wickets apiece for Jamie Palmer and Jack Ford, making his long awaited debut but it was Tudor Morgan-Huggett who bowled at the end and picked up four for 39.
The win, by 38 runs, lifts Sandford to sixth in the table with a visit to Paignton this weekend.
After a rain affected match against Bridgwater last weekend in the National Club Championship, when Sandford were well on top, the fixture was replayed this week with Sandford losing out by 126 runs.
The Second XI are up to second in their league after a very impressive victory at Ottery St Mary.
Sandford asked the home team to bat first and then restricted their hosts to 194 for nine.
Brian Leach proved his worth at the end of the innings, taking three for 35 and was well supported by Chris Jelly, three for 40, and Harry Everett, two for 33.
Harry then carried on his good work with the bat as he joined Tom Gidney in a partnership of 140.
Tom was eventually out for 93 and when Harry was dismissed for 53 there was a middle order collapse with four wickets going down in three overs.
Archie Osborne steadied the ship and the victory was secured by four wickets with five overs to spare. Exeter make the trip to Creedy Park this weekend and then it’s an away trip to league leaders Uplyme.
The Third XI completed the first clean sweep of the season when they travelled to Kentisbeare and won by eight wickets.
The home side were bowled out for 133 with Jemima Vereker taking three for 18.
She was supported by Jack Perry, Glyn Baker and Finn Warren who each took two wickets.
The target was reached quite easily as Ellie Bishop scored 56 and Rob Stoyle finished undefeated on 59. The team currently sits third in the league.
Fixtures this week
Saturday, June 11 - Second XI v Exeter Second XI, 1pm.
Saturday, June 11 - Third XI v Axminster Second XI, 1pm, Newton St Cyres.
Tuesday, June 14 - Sandford Youth v Crediton Rugby Club, 6pm.
Mike Canning