TWO 14-year-olds starred for Sandford Fourths last Saturday as they beat North Devon Fourths by five wickets at Westleigh.

Initially opening bowler Oliver Harding made in-roads into the N. Devon batting with his first five-wicket haul for the club, as he finished with five for 42 from his eight overs.

N. Devon Fourths were asked to bat first and opener Craig Tamlyn 32 (five fours and a six) along with Alex Brookes 40 (four fours, two sixes) appeared to be guiding their side to a decent total at 61 for two. But then the wheels started to come off as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Only Justin Jose 28 (six fours) halted the proceedings, but eventually N. Devon Fourths posted a total of 165 all out after 31.4 overs.

Ollie obviously took the bowling honours, but it was pleasing to see Rebecca Savory also grab a couple of wickets two-21 (four) to keep the N. Devon batters in check.

In H Division cricket, you're never quite sure how things are going to go, and with a total of 166 for victory an early collapse could have been devastating. Despite one wicket falling early, the rot was stopped by 14-year-old Buddy Singleton 22 (five fours), who tends to put bat to ball despite his tender years, and 15-year-old Ellie Knight 30 (five fours). They put on 28 for the second wicket, which at least got the scoreboard moving.

Buddy's departure brought 14-year-old Will Matten to the crease, and along with Ellie they put together a partnership of 73 runs before Ellie was out.

Will himself was out with the score at 133 for four, but his contribution was important as it was virtually a match-winning 60 (11 fours) from only 62 balls, for his first senior Devon League half-century.

Veteran Danny Knight 20 (three fours) made sure the winning post was in reach before he left the crease, and then it was left to two more youngsters Samson Brooks 14no (three fours) and Jimmy Orchard eightno (two fours) to guide the Fourths to another victory.

The 20 points gained moved the Fourths up to second in H Division East, one point behind Culmstock Seconds, and five in front of Newton Tracey Seconds (who have a game in hand). But with the Fourths still having to play both teams to try and clinch the assured promotion place, everything is in the balance as to who is likely to get promoted. It's between these three as the rest are too far behind to catch them.

The Fourths travel to Bridestowe and Belstone Thirds on Saturday with a 1pm start, whilst it's Culmstock's week to not play.

Phil Matten