SANDFORD Cricket Club First XI gained a very important victory last Saturday with a three wicket win over local rivals Exeter at the County Ground.

Having been set a total of 210 for victory, Sandford were in serious trouble of not reaching their goal when they subsided to 149 for seven on the chase. However an undefeated 8th wicket stand between overseas star Aryan Lakra 99 not out (three sixes 10 fours), and skipper Jackson Thompson 23 not out (two fours), saw the Sandford lads home to an important 20 points victory to guide them further away from the bottom of the Premier League table.

Batting first Exeter soon found themselves in trouble at 37 for three and later 108 for seven, but Matt Kimber 43 controlled the lower order to see his side through to 209 all out after 44.2 overs.

The Sandford bowling led by young James Theedom 3-59 (7) helped create the early problems for the home side, with Aryan also claiming 3-36 (10) later in the innings. Harrison Jones also claimed a couple of the other early wickets with 2-41 (10).

Sandford’s early batting order failed once again to leave them 18 for three. However a partial return to form from Adam Small 38 (five fours) helped lead a recovery along with Aryan to 92 for four.

Another mid-order collapse left the Sandford lads hanging on at 149 for seven before JT and Aryan, who capped a great game, guided Sandford home thankfully, with five overs to spare.

This result moved them up to 8th in the table, but more importantly 27 points away from the relegation zone.

This Saturday the Firsts are at home to Plymouth with a 12.30pm start. The Club also has the pleasure of welcoming Dolphin Stair Lifts and Kandy Toys for a sponsors’ lunch.

“Cheaper by bus” will entertain the evening. Guests welcome.

Phil Matten