FOLLOWING the conclusion of the third round of fixtures in the Sandford Cricket Club Community League programme, the prospective finalists are looking much clearer with the Three Little Pigs and Sandford Football Club both undefeated after their three games so far.

In the latest round of matches Sandford Cricket Club’s Development team beat Graphic by 59 runs to record their first victory of the season.

Batting first, the young guns scored 139 from their 20 overs, with Rhys James and Ollie Knight both having to retire on 28 to form the bulk of their team’s score.

In reply Graphic wilted to 80 all out in only 13 overs with only skipper Andy Hookway showing any resolve with a gritty 27.

Veteran Brian Leach, helping out the youngsters at the last minute, weighed in with three wickets to double the number of wickets he’s taken all season on Saturdays!

Sandford Football Club were then pitched in against Crediton Rugby Club – Old Boys as they are fast becoming.

The Rugby Club only wracked up 123 from their 20 overs, with Jay Harris 30 not out, having had to retire, but then allowed back in, and one of their young “pups” Alfie Butterfield stroking a delightful 25 before having to retire.

Jack Perry did most of the damage with three wickets baffling the rugby boys into submission.

In response the Footie boys cruised to victory on 127 for the loss of only two wickets in 16.5 overs.

Brad Elliott and Jack Grinney both had to retire on 25, but with good all-round batting in their early order, victory was easily accomplished with time to spare.

The last game in this round saw last year’s winners, and this year’s favourites according to the bookies, Three Little Pigs, take on Crediton Milling.

The Pigs notched up a record score for the competition with 195 in their 20 overs.

Having scored runs quickly, but also losing wickets at the same time, they were in the enviable position of having two of their “retired” batsmen allowed back in, and this proved to be the undoing for the Millmen.

Will House (26) – originally had to retire but then got out on his return - and Ben Wonnacott (25) - retired, did a bit of the damage, but the main destroyer was Bailey Carbines who hit a record score of 59 not out, having originally retired, and again being allowed back in, hitting three sixes and and seven fours in his quickfire innings.

In response the Mill made a sterling effort to reach their target with Tom Gulley leading the way with 37 not out, Jake Power (27) and Dave Small (26) all giving their team a chance.

In the end the innings subsided to an impressive 160 from their 20 overs, which under normal circumstances, would have won most games.

Jack James was the main destroyer with four wickets for the Pigs.

So after three rounds, Pigs and Football Club have six points, Development XI three, The Mill two, Rugby Club one and Graphic 0.

LATE NEWS – In the first game of the fourth round of matches the Football Club have booked their place in the Final on Sunday, July 14, when the last set of matches will also be played, and a barbecue will be on offer at Creedy Park. Don’t miss it - a great day’s entertainment.

Phil Matten