THE first two weeks of June has seen the First Eleven hand out a thrashing to the bottom side and then taste defeat for the first time against the league leaders.

In a rain-affected game against Brixham, Sandford raced to 280 for seven in only 44 overs.

Neil Bettiss showed a welcome return to form scoring 109 and sharing an opening partnership of 140 with skipper Richard Foan who continued his run of good form with a knock of 83.

Brixham were blown away for 80 in under 30 overs with both Jamie Palmer and Tom Williams taking three wickets.

Things did not go quite so well against league leaders Hatherleigh. Winning the toss and asking the visitors to bat seemed to be the correct decision as Sandford reduced them to 75 for six.

However the tail wagged for Hatherleigh and they managed to amass a further 150 runs finishing on 223 for nine.

There were three wickets each for Matt Theedom, Richard Foan and Pete Steer. Foan (25), Neil Bettiss (32), Theedom (30), Adrian Small (26) and Steer (34) all got in but no-one went on to score that big innings that would have taken Sandford to victory.

The loss by 21 runs means that Sandford fall further behind Hatherleigh in the league table but are still 30 points clear of the team in third place with three games to go before the half-way stage of the season.

The Second Eleven played top team Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! and came away with a comprehensive victory.

The home side were bowled out for 176 with Jem Fawsett and Greg Lewis both taking three wickets and Shaun Fryett two.

Ben Harris was only called in to the side on the morning of the game and fielded superbly, probably saving in excess of 20 runs.

Rory Millar top scored unbeaten on 49 as Sandford won by four wickets with 10 overs to spare. Jason Matten (29) and Freddie Filor (26) also made useful contributions.

The game against Ottery St Mary was ruined by the weather. Sandford were bowled out for 162 thanks in the main to a contribution of more than 50 extras from the home side.

As tea was taken the rain arrived and never left. The home captain could see the potential of a victory if the rain cleared before 6pm so both sides had to sit around until the inevitable abandonment of the game at 6pm.

Sandford currently lie third in the table behind Paignton and Bideford.

Mike Canning