GOING into last weekend’s round of fixtures Sandford Cricket Club First XI was still looking for its first league victory of the season and the Second XI team was proudly undefeated.

Both those records can now be put behind us as the First XI chalked up a creditable win against North Devon, the Second XI seemed to forget how to bat for once and came out on the wrong end against Alphington and the Third XI won their first game on the field of play this season.

Batting first Sandford got off to a great start with Sandy Allen top scoring with 74 in quick time.

Wickets then fell quite frequently until skipper Richard Foan was joined by Rickie Hopwood for the sixth wicket and the pair stayed together putting on 98, taking the final score to 245 for five.

There may have been nerves as the second innings started as the previous week it had been difficult to dislodge batsmen at regular intervals but on this occasion things went Sandford’s way.

North Devon were always just behind the run rate but did lose early wickets to Harrison Jones and Andrew Buzza but the return of Jamie Palmer (three for 36) saw Sandford over the line with a 55 run victory.

It is interesting to note that all teams in the Premier League have now won at least one fixture and although Sandford sit in 6th place in the table there are only six points covering from fourth to 10th so everything is there to play for.

The only good thing that can be said about the Second XI weekend is that they still sit third in the table.

Having put Alphington in to bat, spirits would probably have been quite high at tea having bowled out their hosts for 187.

Pick of the bowlers was Chris Jelley with four for 31 but there were two wickets for Shaun Hawkins and it was good to see Pete Steer return to his normal style of bowling.

The batting then just didn’t get going with everyone finding quite a simple way to get themselves out.

Archie Osborne top scored with 36 not out, but came in when the score was 31 for seven and only Jon James previously managing to reach double figures. Next week is another game!

Having been given a walk-over the previous week it was good to see the Third XI win against Kenn Second XI.

Batting first Sandford scored 206 for eight with Matt Theedom 37 not out, Alex Stevens 32, Joe Hopkins 27 and Alfie (sorry about Archie last time!) Butterfield 22.

Ellie Bishop then returned remarkable figures of four for four with two wickets apiece for both Alfie Butterfield and Finn Warren.

This victory sees the side sitting Second in the table with a visit to top of the table Filleigh this Saturday.

Fixtures at Creedy Park, Sandford.

Saturday, May 28 - Second XI v Braunton First XI at 1pm.

Sunday, May 29 - First XI v Bridgwater (second round National Club Competition) at 1pm.

Tuesday, May 31 - Graphic v Sandford Youth at 6pm.

Mike Canning