HAVING given themselves a lifeline by beating Bovey Tracey the previous week Sandford were once again thrown back into the relegation battle when four of the top six batsmen were unavailable to make the trip to Plymouth.

Batting first against Bovey Tracey everyone showed a positive attitude and there were contributions from all the top order with Harrison Jones continuing his good form on 75 followed by Ryan Glass (38), Richard Foan (37), Sandy Allen (24) and Neil Bettiss (23). Was this really the last game ever for Neil?

The total of 287 for eight was also helped by the inclusion of 40 extras. Bovey were never really in the hunt and Sandford kept fighting to restrict the number of bonus points their opponents were collecting which could be crucial at the end of the season.

Bowling their opponents out for 199, skipper Richard Foan took three for 16, Shaun Hawkins two for 66 and there was a wicket apiece for Trevor Anning, Harrison Jones, Jamie Palmer and Chris Jelley.

The long trip to Plymouth was never going to be an easy ask but even with the availability issues it did not help that Matt Theedom, in excellent form for the Second Eleven, broke his finger after eight overs in the field and really could take no further part in the game.

Plymouth rattled up a massive 345 for three in which Chris Jelley took two wickets.

Harrison Jones again top scored with 53 and Richard Foan scored 34.

It was the late knock of 35 not out and 26 by Chris Jelley which took the Sandford total over 200 and at least five bonus points were won.

It was also fortunate that the fixture at Instow was abandoned without a ball being bowled and Torquay were soundly beaten by Bovey Tracey.

Sandford know that two wins should keep them safe and must start this weekend with the very difficult task of a visit to league leaders Tiverton Heathcote.

Failing that, Sidmouth at home with a final day visit to Exmouth become almost must win games. Mind you the forecast could help this weekend!

While the First Eleven are looking over their shoulders at the threat of relegation the Second Eleven have promotion firmly in their sights.

This past fortnight did see them lose their winning streak to leaders and champions elect Clyst St George but they bounced back with an emphatic win against Honiton.

Clyst St George elected to bat first and scored 218 for eight with Ben Clement being the pick of the bowlers taking four for 40.

Brian Leach chipped in with two for 30 and there was one wicket each for Tom Williams and Matt Theedom.

Tom Gidney top scored with 51 in the chase and Chris Blake scored 34 but apart from Jim Shepherd’s 30 not out, Ben Clement on 19 and Adam Small on 15, there was not enough from the rest as Sandford fell short by 31 runs.

Against Honiton, Shaun Hawkins led from the front and will be disappointed to miss out on a century as he tamely surrendered his wicket on 98.

Useful contributions by Brian Leach (41), Chris Blake (36) and a very generous array of 44 extras meant that Sandford totalled 238 for six.

Honiton batted much better than in the reverse fixture but were never really up with the run rate as Shaun Hawkins took three for 39 and Ben Clement three for 47.

Two wickets for Shaun Fryett and one for Brian Leach saw the side home by 55 runs.

This weekend the Second Eleven are home to Feniton before their last two fixture are against the only other two teams who could prevent promotion.

What also helps Sandford’s cause is that these two teams play each other this coming weekend thus weakening the position of one. Unless the rain comes!

Fixtures at Creedy Park: Tomorrow, Saturday, August 17 Second Eleven v Feniton First Eleven, 1.30pm.

Mike Canning