THE team from Graphic plc in Crediton became the seventh different team in seven years to win the 2018 Sandford Cricket Club Community League after beating Crediton Rugby Club in the final at Sandford’s Creedy Park Headquarters on Friday, August 3.

Having been set 114 to win, Ian Brook, an unlikely Graphic hero if ever there was one, hit the winning runs off the first ball of the last over of the match, to record a sensational victory for his team. Nobody was more surprised than Ian as he lofted a superb four over cover point to win the game for his team.

Although there are no official records for this competition, he would certainly feature amongst one of the top three for someone who has played in the competition from when it was first inaugurated, who has been out first ball more than anyone else. So for him to hit the winning runs, was to say the least, a shock to everyone who witnessed it. Well done Ian.

The Rugby Club lost most of its recognised batsmen to some good bowling and fielding by Graphic and never recovered to score enough runs to set Graphic a sizeable target.

Graphic batted sensibly, with a couple of batters having to retire at the compulsory 25 individual score.

This included Shobrooke’s Chris Ford, who works at Graphic, making his debut in the competition. Even he managed to hit a couple of shots off the square, a rarity in itself, to record a valuable knock, as Graphic steadily progressed towards its target, before setting Ian Brook up to hit the winning runs.

Skipper Andy Hookway was still in shock for sometime after the game, despite having picked up the Barrie Sparham OBE Memorial Trophy from Barrie’s widow Sue.

For the Rugby Club, who were trying to be the first team to retain the trophy, this was their third final, and now means they have been losing finalists twice.

Phil Matten the competition organiser, congratulated both teams on reaching the final and Graphic in particular for their victory, especially after being the "whipping boys" in the competition for many of the previous six years. He also thanked all of the other four teams who took part in this year’s competition.

He also thanked Sue for sponsoring the event again this year, as well as all of the Club members who have acted as officials, either umpiring or scoring in all of the games played.

He finished by thanking Nicky Radnor, who produces superb meals after each game for the players to enjoy, and presented her with a "bouquet" in the form of a pack of 12 cans of John Smith’s bitter.

The entertainment continued after the final ball had been bowled, as Sandford Football Club secretary Adam Voysey was asked to try and drink a "Yard of Ale" to celebrate his 30th birthday.

Unfortunately, Adam seemed to spill more down his shorts than what he sunk down his throat. Anyway everyone present enjoyed the entertainment it produced, especially his Football Club mates.

Phil Matten