SANDFORD Cricket Club’s First XI are now left in no doubt that they are in a relegation battle from the Devon Premier League after their latest defeat away to Tiverton Heathcoat.

In a must-win game to ensure Premier Division status would be more-or-less maintained, they lost by six wickets, and are now only 11 points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining – two of them against both of the teams currently occupying those relegation positions - Sidmouth who they play at Creedy Park in two weeks’ time, and North Devon who they play in the last game of the season at Instow.

Last Saturday, August 9, it was a bit like Groundhog Day with the early order batters again failing to influence the game. The loss of an early wicket was followed by a steady progression of wickets and an eventual score of 213 for nine from their 50 overs was somewhat of a recovery.

This was mainly due to a superb innings of 90 by Adam Small, with a return to form knock that included one six and 12 fours. Apart from James Theedom, who opened the innings and tried his hardest to repair the early damage with a patient 44 (one six, seven fours), no-one else got past 13. Not good enough for a team that in the last three years have either been champions or runners-up.

In response, Heathcoat were led by their skipper Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings, who opened the innings and batted all the way through to finish on 82no (15 fours), to guide his team home to a six-wicket win.

He was helped along the way with solid knocks of 39 from Liam Lewis (seven fours) and the belligerent Peter Randerson 45 (41 balls, seven fours and a six).

James Theedom with two for 35 (4.1), was the only bowler to make any wicket-taking impact as Heathcoat strolled to victory with eight overs remaining.

This victory now leaves Heathcoat nine points adrift of Sandford who remain in seventh spot, but all a bit too close for comfort as far as the Ford are concerned.

This Saturday, August 16 sees the Ford at home to Cornwood, who themselves are going through a bit of a sticky time at present, with a 12.20pm start. Meanwhile, Heathcoat travel to bottom club North Devon and Sidmouth are away to Plymouth.

Phil Matten