SANDFORD Thirds entertained Heathcoat Thirds on Creedy Park's second pitch last Saturday and were unfortunate to come up against a very strong visitors’ batting line-up.

Heathcoat won the toss and decided to bat, and from the off their opening batters were on the offensive. Opener J.Chilcott 87 (16 fours) and R.Pugsley 22 (five fours) laid into the Sandford opening and subsequent bowlers.

The first wicket fell at 55, as Pugsley departed, but this only brought Will Edwards to the crease, and he enjoyed his time with 44 from only 29 balls (six fours and a six). Enter F.Anderson who carried on where Edwards left off, as he smashed 43 from 29 balls (seven fours, two sixes). When he was out the score was 199 for three.

Opener Chilcott departed at 222, but S.Reed coming in at No.7 slogged 41 from 34 balls (three fours, two sixes) to push the Heathcoat innings up to 302 for eight at the end of their 40 overs.

Sandford's most successful bowler was a legend from the past, in Andy Theedom 3-51 (8), with Colin Blick 2-68 (8) and Will Matten 2-37 (5) both claiming a couple of wickets each.

Sandford's response was disastrous to say the least. An opening stand of 27 was wiped aside as the rest of the order followed in quick succession, and eventually an all-out total of 82 in only 21.5 overs, and defeat by 220 runs tells its own story.

E.Baxter 3-14 (6.5), L.Thomas 3-20 (6) and M.Harrison 2-21 (4) did the majority of the damage.

Thankfully Sandford's league position means they are already safe, but with another tough game next week away to Teignmouth and Shaldon Seconds 1pm start, means they have to do better than last Saturday, particularly in the field, where they dropped a number of chances, which may have at least given them a better chance of a decent result. But that's cricket.

Phil Matten