WITH all main games played, only one game is left to play in this years’ Sandford Cricket Club’s Community League competition, and that is the final. This will be held at Sandford’s Creedy Park Headquarters tonight, Friday, July 29, starting at 6.15pm.

The final will be competed between Sandford Parents and Sandford Football Club, who surprisingly beat Crediton Rugby Club in the last game of the regular league season in a “winner takes all” game, which saw the Football Club progress into the final for the first time.

They will be competing for the Barrie Sparham Memorial Trophy, which will be presented to the winners after the match by Barrie’s widow, Sue, in his memory.

Sandford Cricket Club would like to thank all teams for competing again this year, and although there were a number of cancellations due to weather, and a few teams not being able to put out sides on the evening of their games, as usual there was some entertaining cricket, and games were played in a good spirit.

The original idea of the League was to give players who tend not to play too much at weekends, the opportunity to play a quick evening game, run on a properly organised basis.

To this end the Cricket Club would like to thank all players taking part, and all Club members who acted as scorers or umpires for each game played.

A special thanks goes to Nikki Radnor for producing meals for everyone after each game, and to all bar staff for ensuring enough drink was available, as and when required.

For the final, Nikki will have a night off, and Matt Theedom has agreed to be the chef for the evening by slaving over a hot barbecue!

All players not competing, and supporters of both teams taking part, as well as Club members, are encouraged to attend, to hopefully make the final a momentus occasion for everyone taking part.

Regarding next season, the Fire Service have informed the Club that due to dwindling numbers, and difficulties in getting teams together this year, they have elected to drop out of the competition next year.

However, although the Fire Service’s demise is sad, the Cricket Club is pleased to announce that the Three Little Pigs will be making a welcomed return into the competition next year after a break of two years, as their replacements. They should certainly provide plenty of entertainment if their past history was anything to go by.

So if you are looking for some entertainment this evening, please go along to Sandford Cricket Club for a burger and a pint, and enjoy a social game of cricket whilst doing so.

Phil Matten