SANDFORD Cricket Club’s First Eleven returned to winning ways on Saturday, June 15, when they visited Cornwood, who they then comprehensively beat by 118 runs.

In doing so Sandford retained their four-point advantage at the top of the Devon League Premier Division.

Batting first for a change, Sandford were soon in trouble falling to 16 for two, with Adam Small and Lawrence Walker, two of the more consistent batsmen so far this season, both back in the hutch.

However, overseas star Aryan Lakra (64 – two sixes and seven fours) and skipper Jackson Thompson (54 – three sixes and three fours) shared a third wicket partnership of 113 to shift the advantage back to the Ford.

Knocks of 22 from Ryan Glass, returning after his short soiree to Shobrooke, and usual second teamer Tom Gidney (29), kept the scoreboard ticking along. They shared a stand of 57 for the sixth wicket, which gave freedom to have a few lusty blows and push the eventual total to 260 from their 50 overs.

In reply, Cornwood opener Ben Privett (39) showed the form he has been in all season, but with his demise at 55, the Cornwood innings fell apart. Overseas star Naveen Fernando (32) did his best to hold off the inevitable, but eventually Cornwood were bowled out for only 142 in 35.2 overs.

Sandford skipper Thompson was again the star with the ball, bagging 4-32 from six overs, followed closely by Lakra with 2-24 (10).

A first wicket for 15-year-old Ben Handley together with a useful 15 at the end of the Sandford innings, bodes well for the future for this youngster.

The seconds were still looking for their first win of the season when they faced a strong Cornwood Seconds at Creedy Park. Despite restricting the visitors to 212 for eight from their 45 overs, this was somewhat disappointing as Cornwood had lost half their side for 125 before a couple of lower order batters batted sensibly to guide their team to maximum batting points.

Sandford were bowled out for 121 in 40.2 overs to suffer a 91 run defeat.

Sorry no details available at the time of writing this report, but although the end result may not show it, Sandford’s bowling and fielding were of a much higher standard than of some games this season.

Considering the number of youngsters in the team, the Seconds will find it hard to recover from the start they have endured, and are currently 28 points from safety.

A couple of wickets from Sebi Gibbs, making his debut for the Seconds, was definitely one of the bright spots from this encounter, as was an excellent knock of 40 from Ellie Bishop, who has taken her promotion to the two’s with a pinch of salt.

Not to mention two run outs from veteran Brian Leach, one showing his footballing skills, and the other his dynamic fielding ability to run out the Cornwood skipper. Plenty to look forward to in the future hopefully. Keep battling guys.

The Thirds suffered their second defeat in two weeks when they were comprehensively beaten by Devon Medics at Creedy Park. Batting first the home side were skittled for 94 from only 30 overs with only Rhys James (22) making any score of note.

The Medics wasted no time knocking off the winning runs, achieving their target by scoring 97 in only 14.5 overs for the loss of three wickets. This result drops the Thirds down to fifth in their division, but again availability and a weakened side didn’t help.

This coming weekend the Firsts are home to Exeter with a 12.30pm start, whilst the Seconds and Thirds travel to South Devon and Cheriton Fitzpaine respectively, both 1pm starts.

CHRIS THEEDOM

At the home game prior to their match against Exeter, Sandford Cricket Club will be celebrating a very unique occasion.

Groundsman Chris Theedom has been looking after the ground at Creedy Park for 50 years.

An unbelievably amazing commitment and an honour which the Club would like to acknowledge. A number of old players, committee members and friends have been invited to attend, all of whom have been associated with the Club during the time Chris has been either playing and/or looking after the ground.

Phil Matten