SANDFORD First Eleven are 23 points from safety after two crushing defeats against Tiverton Heathcoat and Sidmouth, the top two teams in the League.

This weekend sees them travel to their closest rivals Bradninch knowing that a victory would at least keep them in the running for their Premier League status.

They will welcome back Jamie Palmer after he came through a successful fitness test when playing on Sunday for his local village side North Molton.

Against Tiverton, Sandford totalled 235 with Faisal Iqbal top scoring with 71 not out and there were useful contributions by Adrian Small (41), Richard Foan (36) and Neil Bettiss (25).

Unfortunately, despite using eight bowlers Sandford could only get two wickets as the visitors triumphed with more than three overs to spare.

Sidmouth are full of big hitting batsmen and they all took a shine to the Sandford bowling. Chris Simpson took three wickets but Sidmouth’s total of 331 was always going to be a massive challenge.

Again Faisal top scored with 53 and he was joined by Chris Jelley (33) and Richard Foan (29) but the home side could only manage 188 in reply.

Let’s hope the fortunes are changed this weekend and Sandford are able to do the double over their near rivals.

The Second Eleven have had mixed fortunes. They were blown away by Barnstaple who not only bowled Sandford out for 164 but then knocked off the runs needed only losing one wicket.

Sandford welcomed back Charles Fitzroy who top scored with 62 and Jim Shepherd added 22 but the last six wickets went for only 44 runs.

Much better news this week as Sandford defeated Chardstock by six wickets. This was true revenge as in the opening fixture of the season Chardstock dismissed Sandford for their lowest ever total of 27!

Harvey Blake returned to form with five for 26 as the home side were bowled out for 181.

Chris Blake continued his run getting at the top of the order with 59 and then Shaun Hawkins 58 not out and Tom Williams 35 not out, saw Sandford home.

A big game awaits this weekend as Sandford entertain the bottom side Uplyme. Victory could well settle the nerves and help keep the side in Division Four.

Matches at Creedy Park this weekend: Tomorrow, Saturday, July 14, Second Eleven v Uplyme and Lyme Regis, 1.30pm start. Sunday, July 14, First Eleven v Bratton Fleming, 1 30pm start.

Mike Canning