SANDFORD Cricket Club’s young Development XI played yet another exciting match in the South Devon league last Sunday when they entertained Cullompton.

Having lost their previous game by one wicket, they managed to repeat this performance on Sunday. Batting first, Sandford batted their way to 199 off of only 31.5 of their allotted 40 overs before being bowled out.

Top scorer on the day was young 17-year-old skipper Joe Hopkins with 57 from only 30 balls (10 fours and a six) followed by Stevie Lyon 41 (33 balls, three fours and a six), and Alfie Butterfield 27 (two fours).

In reply, Cullompton subsided to 116 for nine in reply, but remarkably the final pair put on an undefeated 87 to win the game for their team by one wicket.

For Sandford, 14-year-old Will Hopkins again showed his promise with two-16 whilst James Morgan and Max Collins both recorded figures of two-19 and Alfie Butterfield also weighed in with two-30.

Although the lads were obviously disappointed to lose again, it must be remembered that the majority of this team are under 16s, and hopefully they will learn from their experiences, which it is anticipated will bode well for the club going forward.

One lesson to be learnt from this game was the need to bat out their 40 overs. Their next game is not until Sunday, June 22 when they travel to play Exwick.

Phil Matten