LAST Sunday Sandford's North Devon League side travelled to Tiverton Heathcoat for their latest Division One game against a strong Heathcoat side.

Having been asked to bat first, Heathcoat rattled up a score of 291 all out from 38.2 overs led by Tom Hatton with 83 from only 47 balls (12 fours, four sixes) who in conjunction with Jeremy Bedford added 76 for the first wicket in only 6.1 overs, before Bedford departed for 44 from only 19 balls (10 fours).

Hatton then dominated the scoring until he was out at 153 for five after only 16.1 overs, but just when Sandford thought they may have a chance, a late order 54no (six fours and a six) from Archie Goodrick, soon put that idea to bed.

Sandford's bowling was dominated by young Alfie Butterfield making a welcomed return after injury, with four-58 (eight).

Ellie Knight two-64 (eight) and Joe Saunders two-34 (5.2) also grabbed a couple of wickets each, but the damage had been done early on.

Sandford's reply was led by skipper Jon James 28 (four fours and a six), and Andy Fry 39 (eight fours). But once they were out by the time the score was 85 for three, the writing was on the wall, and a steady decline of wickets saw the Sandford team eventually bowled out for 145 after 29.2 overs to suffer a 146 runs defeat.

Jeremy Bedford three-14 (3.2), Matt Harison two-29 (six), Freddie Walker two-26 (six) and Matt Boundy two-14 (six) put the skids under the frail Sandford batting.

This Sunday Sandford are due to visit bottom of the table Westleigh with a 1pm start.

Phil Matten