SANDFORD'S Fourth team maintained their good start to the season with another impressive display at West Buckland School last Saturday, when they demolished Barnstaple and Pilton Thirds by five wickets.

The highlight of their victory was a very impressive bowling display from 16-year-old James Morgan who claimed eight for 17 from 6.4 overs, and in doing so equalled a long-standing Devon League bowling record for Sandford set back in 1987, when yours truly (Phil Matten) also claimed eight for 17 at Kingsbridge.

James took the first six wickets in his first spell, which left B&P struggling at 32 for six after only 10.5 overs, before a slight recovery engineered by home batter Shajhan Manikizel 48 (nine fours) gave the home side a more respectable 113 all out on 30.4 overs. Five of James's victims were bowled, with another falling LBW, which indicates the accurate line he was bowling.

Sandford's reply didn't get off to the best of starts at six for two, but 15-year-old Max De Pelet 39 (four fours) dug in for 78 balls, and together with Steve Lyon 23 (four fours) initially, started to steer his side to victory. By the time he was out at 106 for five victory was in sight, and it was left to veteran Danny Knight 31no (three fours and a six) to see the victory achieved at 119 for five in 27.5 overs.

For the home team Clive Ball 2-4 (four) created the early stutter, but surprisingly didn't come back for a second spell, as Sandford cruised to victory and 20 points.

Next Saturday, the Fourths are at home to North Devon Fourths with a 1pm start, but for this week, young James Morgan can dwell on his excellent day at the office, albeit not at Creedy Park sadly. Well done young man.

Phil Matten