IN my last article I advised that greater consistency by both Sandford Cricket Club teams would be needed for the remainder of the season and these past two weeks have highlighted just this issue.

The First Eleven got themselves into a brilliant position to win their away fixture against Exeter but suffered a late order batting collapse and fell 17 runs short.

The side had bowled and fielded very well to restrict their hosts to 236 for five in which there had been a century for Somerset and England star Tom Lammonby.

Knocks of 40 by Ryan Glass, 57 by Sandy Allen and then 35 by Harrison Jones had set Sandford up with a score of 210 for five and 35 needed with five overs to go and five wickets in-hand.

This heralded the return of Tom Lammonby who shot out the remaining batsmen to add a five-wicket haul to his century and condemn Sandford not only to a loss but a place in the relegation zone.

Whether it was due to the support of the Rugby Club or just a very positive attitude this last weekend Sandford went about the Torquay bowling with an intensity not seen recently.

All of the top six batsmen scored well with Trevor Anning leading the way with 81 followed by Ryan Glass (54), Sandy Allen (48), Neil Bettis (29) and Charles Fitzroy (26). It was disappointing to see the last five batsmen dismissed again very cheaply but this is only a minor observation as Sandford amassed a very respectable 305.

A superb opening spell of bowling from Jamie Palmer and Trevor Anning saw the visitors reduced to 24 for five from which they were never going to win the game.

Torquay set out to maximise the number of losing bonus points they could collect and were eventually bowled out for 203.

There were four wickets for Jamie Palmer, three for Trevor Anning and two for Chris Jelley. This result moves Sandford out of the relegation places but only on games won.

It is hoped that the confidence of a victory will carry the team forward to a tricky visit next weekend to Paignton, the long-time leaders.

The Second Eleven are at last benefitting from the improved availability afforded to the Club at this time of the season and with five victories out of the last six have moved into second place in the league.

Against Kentisbeare an incredible catch by Ben Clement set the tone as the visitors were dismissed for only 209.

There were four wickets for Neil Maud and three for skipper Shaun Hawkins. This never looked enough on a flat Sandford wicket and after the early dismissal of Chris Blake, Shaun (136 not out) and Chris Jelley (65 not out), plundered the visitors attack to such an extent that the game was won by nine wickets with nearly 17 overs still available.

This form was carried into the game at Chardstock where due to the slope it is never an easy place to go to play.

Harvey Blake (three for 37), turned the game with two wickets in his first over and there were two wickets apiece for Adam Creasey and Ben Clement, although due to his hangover no-one is really sure whether Ben is aware that he even bowled!

Skipper Shaun Hawkins once again led from the front and was undefeated on 52 when the total of 206 was reached with five wickets in-hand.

There was also 30 scored by Chris Blake, 45 by Ashley Baker, 34 by Ben Clement and 28 by Adam Creasey.

Recent performances in the North Devon League show the value of Sunday cricket as it gives a chance to those who maybe don’t get too much opportunity on a Saturday.

Against Bideford Adam Small scored 102 as the Sunday Second Eleven won by six wickets.

Earlier there had been three wickets for Joe Harris and two each for Finn Warren and Oscar Nicholls.

Tom Williams (116), then scored a century in a 126-run victory over Bratton Fleming.

There was 61 from Mike Cliff, 35 from Archie Osbourne, 30 from Brian Leach and then 29 from Jem Fawssett in a total of 321 for seven.

Three wickets followed for Harvey Blake and there were two apiece for Brian and Archie.

This week sees a very busy time at Creedy Park and it would be good to see many of you come and enjoy the weather and the facilities offered at Sandford Cricket Club.

As reported last week Devon are playing a three-day fixture against Wiltshire with play commencing each day at 11am.

On Wednesday the Community League fixtures recommence and in next week’s copy there will be an update on this league which is coming to a very exciting conclusion.

Fixtures: Tomorrow, Saturday, July 20 Second Eleven v Clyst Hydon First Eleven, 1.30pm start; Sunday to Tuesday, July 21-23: Devon v Wiltshire 11am start on all three days; Wednesday, July 24 (Community Cricket) Football Club v Crediton Inn 6.30pm start.

Mike Canning