SANDFORD Seconds made the short journey to Tiverton Heathcoat last Saturday, but unfortunately came away with a six-wicket defeat.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sandford's start was to say the least not good, as they slipped to 16 for three. Thankfully Tom Gidney 50 (six fours) and Tom Maidment 56 (nine fours) put on a stand of 104 for the fourth wicket.

However, this then brought another collapse of three wickets for not many runs to 138 for six. At this stage Andy Fry 32 (three fours and a six) together with Elliott Butterfield 38 (six fours and a six), stayed together to boost the score to 201 before Elliott was out. In the end the late order rallied to give a final total of 240 all out after 43.4 overs, and maximum batting points.

For the home team Jack Tucker 2-33 (8), Matt Hodson 3-23 (8.4) and Ed Baxter 2-39 (9) led the bowling honours.

Heathcoat's reply was focused around brothers Will and Freddie Bucknell. They came together at 34 for one and promptly proceeded to score at a healthy rate before Freddie departed for 58 (nine fours and a six) with the score on 169 for two. But in the end Will remained unbeaten on 133no (22 fours, two sixes) to guide his team to victory at 244 for four after only 36 overs.

Only skipper Shaun Hawkins 2-32 (9) was able to make any impact, but with Will Bucknell in fine form it was always going to be a difficult ask for the Sandford bowlers.

This Saturday the Seconds travel to Sidmouth to play their Seconds in a bottom-of-the-table clash with a 1pm start. At least they travel in the knowledge that neither of them can be relegated, as Exmouth Seconds are already relegated, and with only one team to go down following Uplyme and Lyme Regis's decision to withdraw from the league before the season started.

Phil Matten