OVER the past couple of weeks, I’ve given an insight into the comings and goings of players during 2024, along with a brief synopsis of how Sandford Cricket Club has continued to progress player-wise, with the emphasis very much on trying to produce our own cricketers to keep the Club moving forward.

So with the season having ended, and the various awards having been made at the Club’s annual Dinner and Presentation evening at Fingle Glen a couple of weeks back, now is the time to put some “meat on the bones”.

The Firsts, as you have already been made aware of, finished Second in the Devon League Premier Division under the captaincy of Jackson Thompson.

Another good season having finished second in 2022, and first in 2023.

First XI player of the Year Lawrence Walker topped the batting averages with 623 runs in the league, at an average of 44.50 with a highest score of 136 n.o.

Our overseas star Aryan Lakra finished second in the batting averages with 454 runs at an average of 28.38, highest score of 94 n.o. He also took 37 wickets at an average of 14.05 to finish top of the bowling stats as well – best 5-40. The good news is that he is returning again to Sandford for the 2025 season, and we look forward to welcoming him back.

Whilst mentioning Aryan. I’d like to make a special mention to Lewy and Bea Griffiths who volunteered to look after Aryan during the summer, by providing him with accommodation and food.

The even better news is that they enjoyed his company so much, they’ve agreed to take him back again next year.I cannot express how grateful the Club are to them, and their family, for their generosity.

Other First XI batters who did well in 2024 were Adam Small 482 runs (Average 28.35 - 118 H/S); James Theedom 231 runs (25.67 – 81) and Jackson Thompson (JT) 295 runs (21.07 – 65).

Close behind Aryan bowling wise were JT with 36 wickets at 14.42 best 5-26, Byron Knowles 22 at 16.82 (5-32) and Matt Jeacock 17 at 24.41 (5-20).

Apart from JT himself, all of these players mentioned are under 25.

During the season six players under the age of 20 represented the 1sts at some stage. A truly incredible stat for a team finishing second in the Premier Division.

The Seconds finished fifth in C Division West, mainly under the guidance of skipper Shaun Hawkins, but also Pete Steer when Shaun was asked to play in the Firsts. This was an excellent result in the end, as up until halfway during the season they had been in the relegation zone.

Top of the Second XI batting was Tom Gidney with an average of 43.5 (174 runs best 75), followed by Archie Osborne 36.60 (366 - 88no), Jon James 34.40 (516 - 108), Shaun Hawkins 29.63 (237 - 83), Matt Theedom 25.30 (102 – 35no) and Joe Hopkins 21.90 (219 – 116no).

Bowling was topped by Ben Handley 11.77 with a best of 6-19, followed by Matt Theedom 14.14 (5-24), Shaun Hawkins 21.53 (4-38), Pete Steer 21.62 (7-34 including a hat-trick), Ellie Bishop 24.45 (5-50) and Ollie Knight 28.50 (4-30).

Second XI Player of the Year was Jon James with most runs, including two centuries.

The Thirds finished fourth in G Division East under the guidance of Alex Stevens, and another good season for them.

Top of the batting was Elliott Butterfield with an average of 88.00 from only three innings, which remarkably included two centuries with a top score of 162. His brother Alfie was second - average 59.00 for only once out in four innings.

Others included Colin Blick 42.25 (169 runs best 97 no) Jemima Vereker 32.38 (259 – 127 no), Alex Stevens 32.11 (289 - 63) Jonny Handley 19.78 (178 – 48).

Bowlers of note - Ellie Bishop (before her promotion to the Seconds) at an average of 10.10 with a best of 5-41, Jemima Vereker 14.00 (3-5), Liam Gardner 16.11 (3-30) and Glyn Baker 18.71 (4-11).

Third XI Player of the Year was Jemima Vereker for her all-round contribution, and the first female to win a Player of the Year award in Senior cricket for Sandford. An excellent effort.

A special mention to Barney Butterfield who after joining midway through the season from Cheriton Fitzpaine, scored 150 runs from five knocks – the most runs he’s ever scored in a season for anyone, anywhere!

Phil Matten