IN front of their guests from Crediton Rugby Club, Sandford Cricket Club’s First Eleven produced another excellent performance in beating one of the teams strongly fancied for promotion at the start of the season.
All the batsmen weighed in with useful contributions with the pick being Paddy Rowe who finished unbeaten on 91.
Paddy is once again making a six-week visit to Devon from Australia where he plays top grade cricket with Melbourne.
It is great to see him and his family back with us and we hope he can make this a regular trip until work commitments take over.
Having scored 293 the visitors were then dismissed for 231 with Pete Steer taking three wickets and two apiece for Jamie Palmer and Richard Foan.
Unfortunately the win came at a cost with Jamie tearing a hamstring which could mean a two or three week break.
With Neil Bettiss away next weekend changes will have to be made but the bonus is that Sandford have now extended the gap to third place to 42 points. A trip to Lewdown happens this week.
The Second Eleven bounced back in style against a very poor Braunton side. Simon Saunders took four wickets and Shaun Hawkins three as the hosts were bowled out for 165.
In truth this total flattered the home side who were indebted to some lusty blows from their No 6.
Their bowling was not much better than their batting and Shaun Hawkins helped himself to 106 not out and a welcome return to some form after some indifferent performances in the First Eleven as Sandford strolled to a nine-wicket victory with more than 20 overs still to play.
Due to his work commitments Shaun will be unable to travel this weekend so hopefully will gain more useful time in the middle.
Ashley Baker marked his return after an operation last Sunday with a century playing against Shobrooke Park in the North Devon League.
He should return to the Saturday side and add a bit of extra depth to what at times has looked a rather thin batting line up.
This weekend sees the Second Eleven entertain Lewdown at Creedy Park tomorrow, Saturday, July 22, and the Second Eleven entertain Victoria Park on Sunday so why not make a visit and enjoy the facilities on offer.
Mike Canning