WITH a number of players from all teams being unavailable this past weekend for varying reasons, Sandford Seconds appeared to have come off worse.

First they lost the toss and had to field, and then spent the next three hours or so chasing leather all over Creedy Park.

On a superb wicket, Tiverton Heathcoat Seconds laid into the Sandford bowling from the start. When Will Bucknell was the first batter to be dismissed for 39 (six fours), the score was already on 94 in only the thirteenth over.

Tom Lock then joined the remaining opener Joseph Du Gay in adding 66 for the second wicket, before he was out for 26 (three fours). This then brought Jack Tucker to the middle, and he and Du Gay then proceeded to scored 184 runs in only 20 overs, before Du Gay was finally out for a remarkable 194 from only 127 balls, which included 31 fours and two sixes. An incredible knock.

Tucker finished with 91no from only 58 balls (seven fours four sixes), as he helped bring the Heathcoat innings to a close at a formidable 379 for three in their 45 overs.

Remarkably in amongst the mayhem, 15-year-old Will Hopkins managed to take a couple of the wickets to fall two-58 (seven), figures which were made to look worse when he was on the receiving end in the final overs when the flak was really flying.

Sandford's reply wasn't helped when their three most experienced batters were all back in the hutch by the time the score was on nine. At 54 for five with only Elliott Butterfiled 23 (four fours) offering much resistance, a massive defeat looked on the cards.

However, “in-form” Archie Osborne and Devon Ladies player Ellie Bishop had other ideas. Together they took a sensible approach, and whilst victory was out of the question, bonus points were up for grabs. Together they added 146 runs for the sixth wicket before Ellie was eventually out for 58 from 87 balls (seven fours) with the score on 200.

Archie remained until the innings closed at 231 for seven in 45 overs, but the good news was that he managed to secure his first ever century for Sandford in the last over by finishing on exactly 100no from 87 balls (18 fours). Well played Arch.

Heathcoat's Jack Mc Manus three-42 (nine), Matthew Knight two-41 (nine) and veteran Paul Elliott two-30 (eight) did the damage for the visitors, as they secured a 148-run victory.

This Saturday the Seconds are at home again, this time to Sidmouth Seconds with a 1pm start.

Phil Matten