G DIVISION Central League leaders Sandford Thirds travelled to second in the table North Molton last Saturday and played out a thriller of a game before eventually narrowly losing by one wicket with 2 balls to go.

Batting first Sandford got off to a great start led by skipper Alex Stevens, who smashed 72 (11 fours, 2 sixes), and along with fellow opener Rhys James added 123 for the first wicket.

Once Alex departed Rhys continued on his merry way to hit a career best 82 from 78 balls (11 fours and a six). He eventually fell with the score on 190 after adding a further 53 runs with Jemima Vereker 27 (3 fours) for the 4th wicket.

It was at this point however, that the innings subsided away to 236 for 9 from their 40 overs, which gave North Molton an element of relief, as in fairness they should probably have been chasing in excess of 250.

In reply, the strong early North Molton order subsided to 69 for 5 thanks to Glyn Baker weaving his magic again 3-32 (8) and Jonno Handley 3-40 (8).

But it was at this stage that the North Molton middle order started to take over, and knocks of 44 from Jamie Giffard (4 fours) and 60 from Matt Boundy (4 fours, 1 six) changed the game, as they added 84 for the 6th wicket.

Another 44 between Boundy and Louis Roberts 43 not out (4 fours, 2 sixes) for the 7th wicket left things in the balance with only a few overs left.

However, 19 runs in the third to last over changed things dramatically, and eventually Roberts guided his side to victory with the decisive 6 required in the last over off the 5th ball to give N.Molton a one wicket victory.

This result still leaves Sandford top of their division, but now only 9 points in front of North Molton but having played a game more.

The Thirds have no game next weekend, and so it will be interesting to see how the land lies once North Molton have played North Devon Thirds, when hopefully North Devon will do Sandford a big favour.

COMMUNITY LEAGUE FINALS DAY

This Sunday sees the revised Sandford Cricket Club Community League Finals Day at Creedy Park with the last set of Round-Robin matches due to be played, plus the Final.

The first game will start at 11am between Sandford Development XI and Graphic followed by Three Little Pigs v Crediton Milling at 1.15pm, and then Sandford Football Club v Crediton Rugby Club at 3.30pm.

With all games having something on them the Final will then be played around 6pm between Three Little Pigs, who have already qualified, and either Crediton Milling or Crediton Rugby Club, depending on their respective results in their last Round-Robin matches.

The bar will be open and there will be a barbecue, certainly until 5.30pm, possibly longer.

The winners will then be presented the Barrie Sparkham OBE Memorial Trophy after the Final by Barrie’s widow, Sue Sparham.

It should be an entertaining day, so let’s hope that having had to postpone this day a few weeks back, that this time around we will be blessed with fine weather.

Phil Matten