WELL, what a day last Sunday, August 10 at Creedy Park proved to be for the Community League finals day.

With the original date having been postponed, last Sunday the weather was one you could only dream of, with bright blue sunny skies all day, and matches to go with it, especially the final.

The first game of the day saw Sandford Development XI play Graphic to determine which team would finish bottom of the 2025 season, with neither team having won a game in their first four matches.

The honour of not finishing bottom went to the Development XI as they thrashed Graphic by 109 runs. Batting first, they amassed a new record for the competition by scoring 196 for three, which included retirements at 25 or more for Rhys James (25), Ollie Knight (28), Sebi Gibbs (30) and Zack Davey (26).

In reply, they bowled Graphic out for only 89, with only Simon Cartlidge (29no) showing any resistance, and Max Collins claiming four wickets.

In the second game, Crediton Milling had to beat previously unbeaten Three Little Pigs to guarantee themselves a place in the final. This they duly did by winning by 50 runs.

Having set a target of 168 in their 20 overs, the Millmen, led by Will White 47no, then bowled accurately to pin the Pigs down to 118 off their 20 overs, and in doing so they reached the final for the first time.

The third game between Sandford Football Club and Crediton Rugby Club therefore became a dead rubber with nothing on it, except pride. In the end, the football club triumphed by 59 runs when after scoring 147 they restricted the rugby club to only 88 in reply.

The final, however, was the best the competition has ever seen. The Pigs batted first, and with openers Alex Stevens and skipper Josh Davey both having to retire at 25, a big score looked on the cards. However, with Jake Power taking three wickets, in the end it was left to Jack James (28) to lead the Pigs to an eventual total of 144 from their 20 overs. A not insurmountable total by any means.

And so it nearly proved. The Mill, again led by Will White with 25, did their best to keep up with the required run rate, but unfortunately they kept losing wickets. Needing 10 to win off the last over, it came down to Will White to hit a six off the last ball. Alas, the ball passed harmlessly through to the Pigs keeper and the Pigs triumphed by five runs to retain the Barrie Sparham OBE Memorial Trophy for the third consecutive year.

Thanks to all teams for taking part and making the finals day such a roaring success. Congratulations to the Pigs for winning again, and to Crediton Milling for reaching the final for the very first time, and nearly triumphing.

Big thanks also go to Pam Matten for producing the after game meals and to Morrisons for their support in this respect, along with all the umpires and scorers throughout the season, and finally to Sue Sparham for again sponsoring the competition in memory of her late husband Barrie, a former Sandford player and member.

Phil Matten