SANDFORD’S Fourth team travelled the short distance to Nomansland last Saturday to face Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Thirds.

Sandford won the toss, and skipper Jason Matten decided to ask the hosts to bat. It appears that was the first mistake on what would prove to be a very difficult wicket.

The fact that no batter scored more than 17 in BL&W's score of 116 for 7 in their 40 overs, probably proved the point.

Sandford's young attack (no bowler over the age of 16) on the face of it appeared to have bowled well. But the fact they conceded 33 Wides, was obviously a deciding factor in the eventual score lines.

Sandford's reply was to say the least, DISASTROUS. They slipped to 29 for 7 in no time, as runs proved difficult to score on a sub-standard pitch.

Danny Knight with a late 23 (three fours), at least made the score look a little more respectable before he was out on 60 for 8, and the innings folded shortly afterwards on 62 after only 22.2 overs to suffer a 54 run defeat.

For the home team, K.Berry 6-17 (6.2) and D.Thompson 2-21 (5) were the main instigators of the Sandford downfall.

As a result, Sandford drop to fifth spot in H Division East and next week will be home to bottom team Cullompton Fourths on the second pitch at Creedy Park.

The Seconds did not have a game last weekend following the withdrawal of Uplyme and Lyme Regis prior to the season starting, but next Saturday they are at home to Teignmouth and Shaldon on the main pitch at Creedy Park with a 1pm start.

Phil Matten