IN a close game at Creedy Park last Saturday, Sandford Firsts played Tavistock in an entertaining game where the result could have gone either way up until the last ball.

Thankfully the Sandford lads held their nerves and won a tight game by just two runs.

Sandford batted first and made a steady start reaching 77 for two after 19 overs. Overseas star Tanbir Hayder was then out, which brought together the in-form Harry Southgate and skipper Adam Small.

Together they added 88 runs for the fourth wicket before Smally departed for a patient 40 (five fours) with the score on 165.

This brought Harrison Jones to the wicket, another in-form batter, and he and Harry added a quick 68 runs in only six and half overs, which changed the momentum of the game. Harrison was out for 39 from only 23 balls (three fours, two sixes) with the score on 233 for five. Harry was finally out in the last over for an excellent 89 (12 fours) to ensure Sandford had a respectable target of 261 for eight from their 50 overs for their visitors to chase down.

For Tavvy, overseas Ahmad Hassan took 2-44 (10), Tom Clarks 2-40 (10) and Rhys Davies 3-63 (10) were their wicket takers.

In reply, Sandford took an early Tavvy wicket, but then a stand of 106 for the second wicket between Devon player Elliot Hamilton and overseas Ahmad Hassan appeared to give the visitors the advantage. However, Hassan's dismissal at 108 for an excellent 59 (eight fours), briefly changed the game, as five wickets fell for 51 runs, and at 159 for six Sandford were in the driving seat, as Tavvy's middle order disintegrated.

However, they hadn't banked on Will Barriball, who joined Hamilton in a seventh wicket partnership of 89, whilst scoring 55 runs (four fours, two sixes) himself. When he was out in the 49th over the target had been reduced to 15 runs from nine balls. Real seat-of-your-pants stuff!

By the time the last over started the target was down to 13 from six balls, with veteran Jamie Palmer designated to bowl the all-important over. The first ball was hit for two by Hamilton, then a four, but after batting all innings, JP eventually bowled him off the third ball for a superb, chanceless, 106 (10 fours). The remaining batters couldn't muster the seven runs required and when time was called they were still three runs short of victory, and Sandford had won by two runs. Well played lads.

Jamie Palmer 2-48 (10) and Tanbir Hayder 2-45 (10) were the main wicket takers for Sandford, but the 20 points gained were so important in a tight Division, where any loss can send a team plummeting down the league.

Next week the Firsts will be looking for another repeat performance, when they take on Plymouth at Creedy Park with a 12.30pm start.

It is also the day we look forward to receiving the rugby club for their annual sponsorship, as well as an additional 50th birthday bash for Eddie Yeandle, so it should be a busy day. There will be a BBQ from 5pm and with our Seconds not having a game, it is hopefully going to be very busy at the club.

Phil Matten