SANDFORD Fourths’ amazing run of victories continued last Saturday when they travelled to Belstone to play Bridestowe and Belstone Third XI.

Batting first B&B were soon in trouble against Sandford's opening bowlers Samson Brooks and Joe Stevenson. Together they reduced the home side to 12 for four, before middle order batters T.McGrattan, who apparently was dropped on 10 by skipper Jason Matten, and R.Alford, put together a fifth wicket stand of 98, before Alford was out for 36 (eight fours).

McGrattan followed shortly afterwards for a belligerent 70 (seven fours, five sixes), and after his wicket fell at 122 for six, the remaining batters departed soon afterwards. The B&B innings eventually folded on 168 after 36 overs.

Samson Brooks 4-23 (8), Joe Stevenson 3-24 (8) and skipper Jason Matten 3-29 (7) created the damage.

Sandford lost a couple of early wickets in reply, but then a third wicket partnership of 108 between Max De Pelet 63no (nine fours and a six) and Steve Lyons 64 (12 fours and a six) – he doesn't believe in running too much – made the result almost inevitable.

Victory was achieved after 23.5 overs at 169 for four, and the 20 points gained meant Sandford moved to the top of H Division East for the first time in their first season, as previous leaders Culmstock Seconds didn't have a game.

So the intriguing position in this division is that with two promotion places up for grabs, Sandford currently lead by seven points ahead of Newton Tracey Seconds and 19 points ahead of Culmstock Seconds.

Unfortunately, both of these teams have a game in hand as Sandford only have two games left and they have three. But however, ironically both have to visit Sandford, with Culmstock travelling to Creedy Park this Saturday, 1pm start, and Newton Tracey on the last day of the season – August 29.

Phil Matten