SANDFORD Seconds entertained near-neighbours Shobrooke Park in a local derby at Creedy Park last Saturday looking to consolidate their position in C Division East, whilst Shobrooke were hoping to maintain their promotion push.

Sandford were asked to bat first and with ex-Shobrooke batters Jon James and Pete Steer opening the innings for the home team a first wicket partnership of 34 was put together before JJ departed for 20 (four fours) followed next ball by Steery for 11 (one four).

Tight bowling by the Shobrooke boys kept the scoring rate in check as Sandford struggled along to 116 for six. But as he has in the past couple of weeks, Tyler Morgan-Huggett was not prepared to lie down and he started to dominate the Shobrooke bowling, as he stroked his way to another half century for the third week running, with an excellent 60no (seven fours).

In the end thanks to a last wicket stand of 26 between Tyler and 15-year-old Will Hopkins 12no (one four), the Sandford score was restricted to 203 for nine in their 45 overs.

For Shobrooke, Lucas Richards 2-39 (6), Phil Anning 2-23 (5) and 2-33 from Howell Brandwood kept the scoring rate in check.

In fairness, Shobrooke more-or-less looked in control on the chase, and particularly when ex-Sandford batter Chris Simpson and Overseas Rob Ewing were together, as they shared a third wicket stand of 74 before Simmo was out for 48 (six fours).

Ewing followed shortly afterwards for an excellent 43 (four fours and a six) on 143, but then steady batting by the remainder of the order guided their side to a well-deserved victory in the last over at 207 for seven after 44.2 overs.

Skipper Shaun Hawkins bowled well and grabbed 3-18 (9), but unfortunately no other bowler could create the pressure shown by the Sandford skipper.

This result drops the Seconds down to seventh in the table, but importantly 49 points clear of the relegation zone, whilst victory for Shobrooke sees them remain in second place 19 points behind leaders Ottery St Mary, but with only one team to get promoted.

This Saturday the Seconds are away to Heathcoat Seconds with a 1pm start.

Phil Matten