GRAPHIC have reached the final of the Sandford Community Cricket League for the first time since the competition was introduced seven years ago.

Although not all of the games have been played yet, Graphic booked their place in the Grand Final with a convincing victory over the Three Little Pigs on Wednesday, June 27 when they annihilated the Pigs team by 53 runs.

Having set the Pigs a massive 143 for victory, the Pigs got off to the worst possible start when they lost their first three wickets to the first three balls of their innings.

This included a Run Out off the first ball, a good catch at Deep Long On off the second, and a snick behind to the keeper off the third.

After that it was bit like “The Lord Mayor’s Show” I’m afraid for the Pigs, and they were eventually skittled for only 89.

Victory confirmed Graphics position in the final due to be played on Friday, August 3 as they have only lost one game, and all the other teams have lost at least two. Having now finished their league games they cannot therefore be caught.

Who meets them in the final is still “up for grabs”. Sandford Football Club looked favourites, as they beat the Rugby Club and Crediton Inn in their first two games, but then lost to Graphic.

Complacency could be their downfall, but with having the Pigs and Parents teams still to play, they should be favourites to meet Graphic.

However, stranger things have happened, and nerves may just get the better of them if they fail to win either of these games.

With last years’ winners – Crediton Rugby Club – already having lost two games, they need the Football Club to slip up to give them any chance of qualifying.

However, they boosted their Run Rate last Tuesday when they smashed the Crediton Inn by chasing down 115 in only 10 overs.

Unfortunately the Parents team are already resigned to non-qualification in the final as they have lost all of their first three games. So with five games still to play, anything could happen.

With final qualification for the one remaining spot due to “go to the wire”, everything could depend on the last game of the season when the Football Club are due to meet the Pigs.

Phil Matten