SANDFORD Cricket Club’s First XI returned to the top of the Premier Division after the previous weekend’s results, which surprisingly saw Bradninch lose at Tiverton Heathcoat. However, it relied on the ability of Sandford’s 16 year-old batter Joe Hopkins to do so.

Having bowled out bottom of the league Plympton for 129 in only 28 overs thanks to three wickets apiece for Matt Jeacock 3-26 (7), Harrison Jones 3-35 (7) and Aryan Lakra 3-14 (6), the win seemed a formality as Sandford openers Adam Small (25) and Ciaran Gray (16) put on 47 for the first wicket.

However going in to tea at 54 for three put a different complexion on the game.

The score 54-3 became 111-9, with only 17 year-old James Theedom (21) showing any willpower to defy the Plympton bowlers led by captain Elliot Hamilton 4-31 (10).

Things did not look good as last man Matt Jeacock came into bat. What hadn’t been taken into consideration however was the grit and determination of Sandford’s Devon U16’s batter Joe Hopkins, only brought into the side as a late replacement.

Together with Jeacock they managed to whittle away the deficit. Eventually Hoppo scored the winning 130th run in the 49th over to get Sandford over the line.

He finished on 14 not out from 64 balls, and Jeaks nine not out from 35 balls.

Together they shared an unbroken last wicket stand of 19, which doesn’t seem a lot, but in the overall context it gave Sandford 17 precious points, and as it turned out, an unexpected return to the top of the Premier Division by one point.

At Creedy Park, the Seconds took on C Division West league leaders Paignton Seconds, and again, probably rather surprisingly based on league standings, pulled off a remarkable 32 run victory.

Batting first Sandford managed 263 for seven in their 45 overs with a number of good scores from opener Jon James 58 (seven fours and a six), Skipper Shaun Hawkins 83 (eight fours and a six), run machine Archie Osborne 32 (five fours) and a late flourish from veteran Matt Theedom 35 no (four sixes).

The basis of the innings had been laid by JJ and Shaun in a third wicket stand of 86, followed with another fifth wicket partnership of 59 between Shaun and Archie. Theeds late flourish was the icing, and cherry, on top of the cake.

In reply, Paignton’s opener Ollie Woodcock got his side off to a flying start with a quickfire 50 from only 38 balls (nine fours and a six).

However, his departure saw Carlos McFarlane enter the fray, and for a good hour or so it looked like he was going to take the game away from the home side.

He stroked 80 from only 74 balls (six fours and four sixes) before offering a high catch in the deep to Jemima Vereker making her Second XI debut, which thankfully she held onto much to the enjoyment of her teammates.

In the end Paignton subsided to 231 all out after 42.4 overs, and the 20 points gained meant Sandford were able to pull away from the relegation zone, which has threatened them all season.

With four wickets from 15 year-old Ollie Knight 4-30 (7) led the way for Sandford, with two wickets apiece for Shaun Hawkins 2-45 (9) and Matt Theedom 2-25 (9). All-in-all a great result for the Seconds.

Unfortunately the Thirds couldn’t make it three wins, as they fell to a four wicket defeat against Seaton Seconds.

Batting first, the Thirds only managed 100 after being bowled out in the 31st over.

Despite Glyn Baker 3-28 (8) grabbing three early wickets in the Seaton reply, hopes of a possible victory soon dissipated as middle order batters Price 35 and Harwood 31 no guided their side to victory in 26.1 overs. The only consolation for the home team was a late flourish of wickets, which overall meant they finished the game with five points to consolidate their mid-table position in G East.

This coming Saturday the Firsts entertain Bovey Tracey with a 12.30pm start with the Seconds and Thirds travelling to Kingsbridge and Bradninch and Heathcoat Fourths respectively, both 1pm starts.

At Creedy Park the Club will welcome the Directors/staff/family and friends from one of the Club’s sponsors Dolphin Stairlifts and Mobility Appliances for lunch and tea. We hope they enjoy their day with the Club and thank them for their continuing support.

Phil Matten