IN contrast to the First XI, Sandford Cricket Club Seconds continue to excel.

Following a midweek T20 thrashing of Bradninch's Second team by 98 runs, the Seconds subsequently handed out another hammering, this time to Alphington and Countess Wear in C Division East by an impressive 89 runs at Creedy Park.

Batting first Sandford batted brilliantly to notch up 323 for three from a reduced 44 overs.

Tom Gidney stroked his way to a masterclass 128 not out from 109 balls (18 fours and a six) to claim his second century of the season. Jon James, re-instated to the Seconds after impressive centuries for the Thirds over the previous couple of weekends, opened the innings and continued his runfest with another good knock of 53 (10 fours).

There was also a good return to form for 17 year-old Joe Hopkins with a patient 60 (four fours), followed by a quickfire 38* from skipper Shaun Hawkins from only 18 balls (four fours and a six).

On a 'belter' of a pitch, it was always going to be difficult to claim a maximum 20 points, and in the end Alphington and Countess Wear meandered their way to finish on 234 for six in their 44 overs. Ryan Glass with 2-53 from his nine overs was the only bowler to take more than one wicket.

A couple of dropped catches didn't help, but Sandford's 18 points from the game leaves them with four wins from four games, and second in the league.

This Saturday they have another home game against Heathcoat Seconds, the league leaders, at Creedy Park with a 1pm start.

In midweek the Seconds travelled to Bradninch for a T20 Cup game, and handed out an absolute thrashing to the home team.

Batting first Sandford amassed 213 for seven from their 20 overs. Jon James again led the way with 95 from only 45 overs (15 fours and two sixes). Together with Tom Maidment 31, Pete Steer 22 and Archie Osborne 20* they helped pushed the eventual Sandford score to an impressive 213 for seven.

In reply Bradninch lost wickets steadily, and were eventually bowled out for only 115 in 16.3 overs. Jack James 3-10 (3), Brian Leach 2-26 (3) and Praison Alias 2-11 (2.3) did the damage for Sandford, and as such they now progress to the next round.

SANDFORD THIRDS

Sandford Thirds also continue to impress. They were playing at home last Saturday to Paignton Fourths, who potentially should have given them something to think about, as they were the G Division Central league leaders going into the game.

Nineteen overs later Sandford had bowled Paignton out for only 100 thanks to a spell of 5-21 from only six overs from Ben Clement, including three wickets - all bowled - for no runs in his first over.

In reply Sandford openers Elliott Butterfield 54* (36 balls, nine fours and a six) and skipper Alex Stevens 38* (29 balls six fours) saw the home team with a win in only 10.5 overs to claim another 20 point victory and subsequently move them to the top of G Division Central before their next home game on Saturday against North Molton 1pm start, which should, on paper, offer them a sterner test.

Phil Matten