FOLLOWING a remarkable run of results which had seen Sandford Cricket Club's First XI move to second in the table, with an outside chance of winning the Devon Premier League, last Saturday saw Hatherleigh claim a well-deserved victory at Creedy Park, and in doing so claim the double over Sandford following their victory at Hatherleigh earlier in the season. It was also Sandford's first defeat at home this season.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sandford never really got on top of the visitor's bowling, and disappointingly were dismissed for only 177 after 47.5 overs.

After losing an early wicket Joe Hopkins 24 (three fours) and James Theedom 23 (one four), making a welcome return to the side following his exploits for Somerset in the Metro 50 Over Cup competition, took the score to 54 before Hoppo was out.

Unfortunately, further wickets fell at regular intervals and only skipper Adam Small 28 (three fours) made a stance before overseas Tanbir Hayder came in and smacked a quick-fire 47 (three fours, three sixes) to boost the score from 97 for five to 177 all out.

Hatherleigh's bowling honours were led by Charlie Presswell 4-38 (8.5), helped by 2-29 (9) from brother Jasper, Shrey Ghosh 2-34 (10) and 2-45 from veteran Mark Lake. In fairness all their bowlers bowled well as a group.

Openers Ryan Quick 21 (three fours) and Niall Leahy 43 (eight fours and a six) put on a first wicket partnership of 64 in only 9.5 overs to get the Hatherleigh reply off to a good start. This was then backed up with a steady patient knock of 66no from overseas Shrey Ghosh (seven fours) who guided the rest of the Hatherleigh batters to victory at 178 for seven in 43.5 overs.

Sandford's bowling was led by veteran opening bowler Jamie Palmer 3-33 (9), but whilst another 50 runs may have made the game interesting, Hatherleigh fully deserved their all-round victory, and in doing so helped their own plight at the bottom end of the division.

So the faint hope of winning the League, which until the previous weekend had not really been a consideration, will now have to be put on the back burner again for another year following Paignton's convincing 20-point victory against lowly Plymouth.

This Saturday the Firsts are at home again to relegation-haunted Sidmouth, but you can be assured our lads will be taking nothing for granted.

Phil Matten