IF you had said to me last Saturday morning that I would be reporting on four league wins from four games, I would have snapped your hand off, especially with the unprecedented injuries the club is currently experiencing.

However, here I am as vice chairman of the club chuffed to bits to report that the Firsts beat Cornwood by three wickets in the Premier Division, the Seconds won in Exeter against Exeter Seconds by 44 runs, the Thirds beat Ipplepen Thirds on the second pitch at Creedy Park by eight wickets, and the Fourths won a potential tricky fixture at Filleigh against their Seconds, who had won earlier in the season at Creedy Park, by five wickets. So all in all a great day was had by one and all last Saturday.

Sandford Cricket Club's first team were facing tricky opposition in Cornwood on the main pitch at Creedy Park, who were just above them in the league. Having lost the toss and found themselves in the field, Sandford's recent injury crisis raised its ugly head once again when opening bowler Matt Jeacock suffered a severe back injury in only the fifth over of the game, which forced him to leave the field in a lot of discomfort.

As a result Cornwood's openers were able to take advantage as they added 57 runs for the first wicket, mainly due to Robin Dart 35 (six fours and a six). However, Jeak's injury meant that Jackson Thompson was forced into bowling earlier than he would normally have expected to do so.

As it turned out, he bowled an exceptionally good economical first spell, which resulted in wickets falling at regular intervals, and saw Cornwood sink to 117 for five midway through their innings. JT was ably assisted by Praison Alias and Overseas Tanbir Hayder.

However, Elliott Staddon 47 (seven fours) together with Chris Parker 37 (five fours) steadied the ship, and when Parker was eventually out the score had moved on to 190 for six. Staddon departed at 212 and the rest of the innings fell away to 234 all out in 49.5 overs to give Sandford maximum bowling points.

Sandford's bowling was led by JT with three-17 (10), ably backed up by Tanbir three-49 (10) and Praison two-43 (8.5).

JT then opened the Sandford innings and soon started tucking into the Cornwood bowling that was on offer. He smashed his was to 48 from only 37 balls (11 fours) to set up the run chase. He had been joined quite early in the innings by 17 year old Ben Handley who batted very steadily for a defiant 40 (three fours).

Ben in conjunction with skipper Adam Small 68 (10 fours), added a potential match winning third wicket partnership of 89 to take the score to 145 for three before he was eventually out. When Smally fell soon afterwards at 167 for four, potential alarm bells started to ring. However, cometh the hour, cometh the man and Somerset staffer James Theedom showed his professionalism in guiding the lower order to a deserved three wicket victory at 235 for seven after 48.1 overs.

James finished on 32no (four fours), and along with Tanbir 21 (one four and a six) who probably had his best game so far for Sandford, ensured their 40 run partnership for the fifth wicket help set up the victory the team needed, especially as a couple of the teams below them in the league also won.

Cornwood's overseas star Mohsin Khan who had thrashed the Sandford bowling for over 200 earlier in the season, was their best bowler with three-60 (10). Thankfully he had an off day with the bat!

This Saturday, the Firsts travel to Bradninch with a 12.30pm start, looking to consolidate their fifth spot in the Premier Division.

Phil Matten