WHILE all you gardeners and those who work on the land have been praying for rain, May brought the start of the Devon League cricket season.

After last year’s lockdown where the weather was beautifully sunny and cricket was not allowed it came as no surprise that the rain arrived on cue to cause havoc with Saturday cricket and so far none of the five games that Sandford should have played have reached a conclusion.

The First XI opened their season at Exeter and had restricted the home side to 144 for seven with skipper Richard Foan taking three for 26.

At 12 for zero there was no chance of reaching a conclusion and this proved to be the case this past weekend.

Exmouth had scored a very impressive 295 for eight in which Harry Everett had taken three for 45 and Richard Foan two for 46.

On the chase Sandford were well placed at 65 for one after 12 overs but again the rain had the final say.

The Second XI were in all sorts of trouble in their opening fixture against Whimple.

The visitors had dismissed Sandford for 146 and were 44 for zero in reply when the match was called off.

Albert Grieve, an Exeter University student, top scored on his debut with 61 and looks certain to make the transition into the First XI immediately.

A nice car journey down to the seaside was met with plenty of drizzly rain on arrival at Exmouth.

It was cold and damp and fortunately both captains could see that there was no prospect of any play and the match was called off just after 1pm.

The Third XI didn’t have a fixture last weekend but the previous week the fixture against Kenn was abandoned after a few overs.

Last Sunday the North Devon League side tasted defeat for the first time. Deciding to bat first on a wet wicket at Beaford, Sandford were dismissed for 94.

They then watched ex Sandford batsmen Neil Bettiss hit the ball all around the park and lead his side to a very one sided 10 wicket win.

The Community League started last week and Yeoford, making their debut in the competition, defeated Graphics.

The club would like to congratulate Jonathan James, who plays in the North Devon League team, for his century scored last Saturday for Shobrooke Park against Whimple.

It is good to see that the local rivalry between the two clubs will see two fixtures against each other this season.

There is still social distancing and outside service for drinks this weekend but it will be good to see you at Creedy Park.

Saturday, May 15 - Second XI v Upottery First XI - 1pm; Saturday, May 15 - Third XI v Cullompton; Sunday, May 16 - Sandford T20 tournament - all day.

Mike Canning