SANDFORD 2nds travelled to play Sidmouth 2nds last Saturday knowing the result for either team didn’t really matter as both teams, despite being in the bottom half of the table, were safe from relegation.

Batting first Sandford made a terrible start slumping to 2 for 2 after only 2 overs. A slight recovery was started by skipper for the day Tom Gidney, but when he was out at 74 for 4 for 27 (4 fours), it was then left to the lower order to set up a defendable total.

Ellie Bishop 22 (2 fours), Andy Fry 33 (5 fours), Jack James 24 (3 fours and a six) and Ollie Knight 41 (3 fours, 2 sixes) all did their bit as the Sandford innings closed on 215 for 8 after their 45 overs.

James Docherty 3-38 (9), George Bower 2-41 (9) and Lee Clayden 2-28 (9) led the bowling honours for the home team.

At 86 for 1 in reply, Sidmouth must have fancied their chances of pulling off an easy win, but when Sidmouth’s ‘old stager’ Anthony Griffiths departed at 109 for 3 for a solid 53 (7 fours), things started to change.

Brothers Charles and Hugo Brock took the score to 159 for 4 before Hugo left the crease for 22 (2 fours) with only 8 overs left.

Charles was out at 187 for 7 for an excellent 47 (3 fours and a six), but with only 3 overs left, the remaining batters could not meet the required run rate, and eventually the innings came to a tame end at 200 all out after 44.2 overs.

Alfie Butterfield was the key to Sandford’s win, finishing with an excellent 5-36 (7.2), aided by opening bowler Ollie Knight 2-48 (7).

Sandford 2nds finish their 2026 programme next Saturday at home on the main pitch when they entertain Division Champions Ottery St.Mary 1sts, 1pm start.