TOMORROW Sunday, July 25, Monday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 27, Sandford Cricket Club will be hosting a full three-day National Counties Game between Devon County Cricket Club and Wales.

With only two other clubs in the County hosting three-day games this is one of the highest honours that Sandford Cricket Club could receive.

Over the years Sandford has been recognised by umpires and officials as one of the best playing surfaces in the County and is due recognition for everyone’s hard work.

Set in the delightful grounds of Creedy Park the ground is set naturally within the rolling hills of Mid Devon and with a clubhouse and facilities that are the envy of most clubs in the County.

Devon is one of the leading Minor Counties in the competition and their record within the three-day competition and the one-day cup competition is unsurpassed.

The start of play on all three days will be 11am and entrance for spectators will be free although there will be a very small charge to park cars.

If you visit for either part or all of the day this is a great opportunity for cricket fans to see the best players competing in a full three-day game. Refreshments will be served throughout each day and the “Bill Matten Pavilion” will be open to cater for your liquid refreshments.

The Club would ask all visitors to be cautious when on the ground and to abide by any restrictions that the Club may have in place during this three-day festival of cricket.

LAST WEEKEND’S GAMES

Sandford First XI continued their fine run with an 85 run mauling of Bovey Tracey.

After the early loss of Ryan Glass and skipper Richard Foan there were superb knocks of 91 by Harrison Jones, 70 by Johnathan Campbell, successfully avoiding a possible third time first ball duck, and 53 by Sandy Allen as Sandford plundered the visitors attack for 274 for seven.

I think shell shock then hit as Bovey were reduced to 27 for five before their middle order batsman brought about some degree of calm and order.

Jamie Palmer helped himself to five for 34 and Trevor Anning weighed in with two wickets as Sandford wrapped up the game with maximum points and more than seven overs in the bag. Next up is an away trip to Hatherleigh where hopefully there will be no banana skin!

The Second XI had a disappointing trip to Upottery but must put that all behind them as they approach a crunch match this Saturday against fellow strugglers Ottery St Mary.

A rather strange scorecard shows that the best scores came from the late order batsman as Jason Matten scored 35, Brian Leach 28 and the Liam Gardner ending the innings with 23 not out. Ben Clement and Liam Gardner each picked up a wicket but that was as good as it got and a loss by eight wickets followed.

It was the exact opposite for the Third XI who had an excellent eight wicket victory away to Cullompton Second XI.

Glyn Baker was the star of the show taking six for 29 but he had great support from Jack (apologies for getting your name wrong last time!)

James who took three for 18 as the home side were bowled out for 112. Ellie Bishop then continued her fine form scoring an undefeated 36 and was joined by skipper of the day Alex Stevens as he finished unbeaten on 32 as Sandford strolled to victory with more than half of their overs still available.

Fixtures for this weekend - Today, Saturday, July 24 - Second XI v Ottery St Mary - 1pm start. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - Devon v Wales - 11am start.

Chris Theedom and Mike Canning