LAST Sunday Sandford's North Devon League side entertained Bridestowe and Belstone at Creedy Park and came away with an easy 205-run win.

N. Devon League games are always difficult to predict what is going to happen prior to the game, mainly due to the strengths of each team on the day. Last Sunday was a classic example of how Sandford fielded a relatively strong side, with a mixture of experience and youngsters, whereas Bridestowe and Belstone, whilst they also fielded a mixed age side, without trying to be disrespectful, were nowhere near as strong.

Sandford won the toss and decided to bat. Openers Andy Fry and Joe Saunders made a lightening start, and by the time Andy retired after reaching 100 in only 48 balls (18 fours and a six) the score had already reached 150.

Joe continued on his merry way to record an all-time highest score of 92 from a patient 124 balls (nine fours and a six), before he was out with two overs to go with the score on 333 for three. He had previously been joined in a second wicket stand of 134 with Tom Maidment who cracked 72 from only 43 balls (seven fours, three sixes).

At the end of their 40 overs Sandford had accumulated 355 for four with only N.Metherell 3-41 (8) having any decent figures to show for his bowling efforts.

The visitors were never able to match the necessary run rate, and the best of the bunch was Mr Metherell again with a highest score of 24 (five fours). B&B were eventually all out for 150 after 37.1 overs, but fair play to them for the spirit and keenness they showed throughout the match. On another day roles could have been reversed, as over the season the visitors have been very competitive in this league, but on this occasion it was Sandford who triumphed.

B&B's undoing was mainly down to 15-year-old up-and-coming Sandford future superstar Will Hopkins, who took a remarkable six for 10 in 7.1 overs – all bowled. I for one am looking forward to seeing how this youngster progresses in future years, as I'm sure he is going to be a big hit with the Sandford supporters going forward.

So with two games left to play in this League, Sandford have a rest for a couple of weeks before they entertain Heathcoat on Sunday, September 6, followed by a return match against Bridestowe and Belstone the following Sunday.

Phil Matten