ALL too often this season it has been my pleasure to report on the wonderful achievements of Sandford Cricket Club’s First Eleven in their quest to achieve promotion and then add comments with regards to the Second Eleven so in this last report of the season I am going to highlight the fantastic achievement of the Second Eleven in securing runners-up spot in their league.

Rory Miller has led the side magnificently and deserves great praise in the manner in which he has approached the task of Captain.

A Second Eleven Captain first has to sit down at a selection meeting to hear all the non-availabilities for both sides and then put together the best 11 from those left.

However by the day of the game there could be changes to the First Eleven for one reason and another which impacts on the side he thought he had selected.

Whereas a First Eleven Captain may only need one telephone call to take a member from the Second Eleven to fill a gap the Second Eleven Captain could have to make many.

Rory has never complained and has always managed to get an 11 on to the field of play unless a player just didn’t bother to turn up!

What is also good about Rory’s style of management is that he is prepared to listen to his senior players on the field of play to help him make those tactical decisions which hopefully lead to a positive change.

Rory is now working up country and will be relinquishing the role of Captain and playing his cricket elsewhere next season.

The Club owe him a great deal as he filled in as Captain last season when the appointed person just threw in the towel! Good luck in the future Rory.

In the last game of the season the side gave Rory a wonderful send off by defeating Plymstock by five wickets and securing the runners-up spot.

This is an incredible achievement because the average age of the side most weeks has been around 20 which bodes well for the future of the Club.

On winning the toss Rory had no hesitation in asking Plymstock to bat and they were duly bowled out for only 91.

Fenton Davies produced his best spell of the season and finished with four for 12.

Greg Lewis sneaked in at the end with two for 21 to ensure he finished the season as the leading wicket taker.

The other wicket takers for the day were Harvey Blake and Shaun Hawkins who both finished on 16 wickets for the season.

Harvey has made great strides in adult cricket this season and must be in with a chance of the most improved player for the season.

With Shaun Hawkins at the crease the Sandford chase was never going to take long.

Since Shaun has dropped down from the First Eleven he has shown a maturity maybe not seen when playing at a higher level and he must surely be a very strong contender to take over the captaincy from Rory.

Sandford had a slight wobble after Shaun was out but still got home by five wickets with Rory still out in the middle when the winning runs were scored. This was such a fitting way to end the season.

The First Eleven, who were already champions, went to already relegated Plymstock and did another demolition job.

Bowling out their hosts for 122 they then knocked the runs off in less than 14 overs and were back in Sandford to start the end of season celebrations by 5pm!

Jamie Palmer and Richard Foan both took three wickets apiece and Pete Steer took two, taking his total to 32 for the season.

Neil Bettiss then took centre stage for once as he hit 60 off 35 balls and with Matt Theedom thumping 34 off 23 balls the victory was secured very easily.

The task of thinking about life in the Premier League next season can start now and it will be great to see the top flight of cricket return to Creedy Park.

Mike Canning