SANDFORD Cricket Club's First XI's woes in the Devon Premier Division continue, as yet another loss at Exmouth last Saturday has now seen them drop into the bottom two teams in the league.

It could be argued that they have played, and lost unfortunately, against the top four teams currently occupying the top four places, but even so, the rest of the league are probably wondering what's going on, as are we.

The bottom line is that the team are not batting out their 50 overs, which has proved so important to the results they've had.

On Saturday, having elected to bat first at Exmouth, early wickets fell again, and with a score of 91 for five at one point, an eventual total of 224 appeared to at least have given them a fighting chance of achieving a positive result. However, being bowled out on 43.1 of their allotted 50 overs, would come back to haunt them.

Overseas star Aryan Lakra again like last week, top scored with 68 (six fours and a six), with skipper Jackson Thompson managing 39 (five fours and a six), closely followed by 34 from youngster James Theedom (five fours). The next best was 12, which highlights the current woes the team are suffering.

In response, Louis Morrison got his team off to his usual “hit or bust” method of batting, with 33 from 15 balls (six fours and a six).

Together with skipper James Horler, who batted solidly for a patient 83 from 111 balls, which included 10 fours, they laid the foundation for their victory.

However, at 115 for five, Sandford could sniff a chance, but when Horler was joined by Ed Butler, together they put on 85 runs for the sixth wicket.

Butler eventually departed for an important 34 from 62 balls (five fours), and and with Horler gone as well and the eighth wicket going down at 202, the win was “still on”.

Alas it was not to be as victory was eventually achieved by the hosts without any further dramas after 47.5 overs.

Aryan Lakra again starred with the ball taking 4-41 from his 10 overs, with most support from Tom Maidment 2-44 (10).

This coming Saturday sees the Firsts return to Creedy Park for the visit of Tiverton Heathcoat, who themselves have put a couple of decent results together after a pretty awful start. 12.30pm start.

Another reminder that Creedy Park will be the venue for Devon's Men's NCCA team against Dorset on Sunday, June 15 for two back-to-back T20 games starting at 11am.

There will be an all-day BBQ for any visitors attending, and the bar will be open. There will be a £5 charge for anyone bringing their car, but anyone on foot will be allowed to enter free of charge.

Phil Matten