SANDFORD’S North Devon Cricket League side travelled to bottom of the table Westleigh last Sunday, and a remarkable game ensued.

Having not won a game all season, Westleigh must have thought all their Christmases were coming at once when, after electing to bat first, Sandford's early order committed 'hari-kari' as they subsided to 110 for eight, with only 15-year-old Will Hopkins, who opened the innings for a change, managing to score 21 (four fours).

However, the fall of the eighth wicket brought together Sandford's Overseas player Tanbir Hayder and Saturday's Fourth XI skipper Jason Matten, playing a rare Sunday League game.

They set about the home bowling, and in double quick time together they compiled a remarkable stand for the ninth wicket of 159, before Tanbir departed for 125 in only 79 balls (14 fours, nine sixes) and a few lost balls on the small Westleigh ground.

The 159 run partnership as it turns out, was not only a record for the Sandford club, but also for the N.Devon League in general.

Jason remained not out with 35 (four sixes) as the innings closed on 272 all out after 39.1 overs.

T.Poole 3-54 (8), W.Speed 3-20 (5.1) and K.Faber 3-47 (8) were the main wicket takers for the home side.

With Westleigh's overseas player K.Faber opening the innings and showing good form, the game looked set up for a close finish, until he was caught on the boundary for 69 (six fours, six sixes) in Rhys James's first over.

Middle order knocks of 25 (four fours) from S.Buttler and 34 (five fours and a six) from T.Poole kept the scoreboard ticking over for the home side. However, once they departed any thoughts of victory quickly disappeared as 153 for three subsided to 227 all out in 30.1 overs.

For Sandford a couple of their youngsters took the bowling honours. Unsurprisingly Will Hopkins with 3-27 (7.1) was once again in the wickets, but more surprisingly 17-year-old Rhys James, who is recognised more as a batter, took 4-34 (6) which changed the game, especially once he had removed the Westleigh overseas.

So in the end a 45-run victory pushed Sandford back up to mid-table, and with Bridestowe and Belstone due to visit Creedy Park next Sunday, hopes are high for further progress. 1pm start.

Phil Matten