SANDFORD Cricket Club’s Third XI moved up to second in G Division Central last Saturday following their emphatic win at home to North Devon Thirds by 66 runs to avenge an earlier season defeat.

Batting first Sandford got away to a good start with skipper Alex Stevens leading the way with 51 (nine fours, two sixes) and Andrew Fry 55 (eight fours and a six) pushing the score up to 125 for two when Alex departed.

Following Andrew’s demise at 155, it was left to young 14 year-old Jonno Handley, 53 from only 40 balls (five fours, three sixes), to guide the Sandford total to its eventual 238 all out in only 35.3 overs. The last six wickets falling for only 16 runs.

However the Sandford total was a formidable one for North Devon to chase, and the gradual fall of wickets saw them eventually be bowled out for only 172 in 39.4 overs.

Glyn Baker did the early damage for Sandford, as he skittled the top order with three for 10 from his eight overs.

There were also two wickets for youngster Tom Harding 2-31 (6), who is turning into a very good leg spin bowler, and Andy Fry 2-38 (7) with his medium pacers.

This victory now leaves the Thirds three points behind leaders North Molton in their aim to get promotion to the F Division.

This Saturday sees the Thirds play in Exeter against Exwick Seconds with a 1pm start at Exwick Playing Fields.

• Sunday, July 13 sees the Finals Day for the Devon Cricket League's T20 competition at Sandford with the first Semi-Final Sidmouth v Bridestowe and Belstone starting at 10am, followed by Exmouth v Cornwood at 1.30pm, with the winners of each game progressing to the Final around 4.30pm.

Phil Matten