SANDFORD Cricket Club Second team away achieved an amazing first win of the season against South Devon in the C Division West league.

Batting first, the home team set a formidable target of 253 all out in their 45 overs, with knocks of 56 by Dan Duke and 77 from skipper Mali Marshall (son of West Indies legendary fast bowler Malcolm Marshall).

Sandford’s veteran opening bowler Brian Leach bagged three wickets for 41 in eight overs, but the star of the show for Sandford was Ellie Bishop having her first bowl for the Seconds, and returning a remarkable five for 50 in nine overs. A great effort from a young lady making her way in senior cricket.

In reply Sandford looked to be heading for another defeat, despite early order knocks of 37 from Matt Jeacock, supported by Ellie Bishop (22) to go with her earlier five wickets, and 22 also from Praison Alias.

So from the depths of 124 for five, enter Archie Osborne. He shred stands of 86 with Matt Jeacock and then an undefeated stand of 44 with Jason Matten (14 no). But it was Archie who took the honours, smacking an undefeated 88 (63 balls, 13 fours) to guide his team to victory in the last over of the game.

This gave Sandford a well deserved first victory of the season and a precious 20 points. and reduced the deficit to 14 points from safety with a game against the team just above them  – Yelverton - next at Creedy Park. Keep believing lads!

Meanwhile, at Creedy Park, the Firsts entertained Exeter in the Premier Division. What a game to celebrate Groundsman Chris Theedom’s 50 years in that voluntary role, and for the large crowd attending proceedings.

Sandford batted first and with the score on 140 for one all seemed to be going well. However, the fall of Lawrence Walker’s (55) wicket sparked a middle order collapse to 159-5.

Thankfully opener Adam Small was still there, and together with usual Second team skipper Shaun Hawkins they added a priceless 77 for the sixth wicket before Shaun was bowled for an excellent 38, including three massive sixes and a four from only 36 balls. A great knock in the circumstances.

Smally eventually notched his first ton, and for any Sandford player in the league this year. He eventually departed for a superb 118 – 133 balls and 14 fours.

With the tail wagging as Byron Knowles smashed a quickfire 23 from only 13 balls, Sandford’s total reached 286 all out in their final over.

Exeter made a good start in reply with openers Charles Clist (39) and Eddie Steele (28) amassing 73 runs. The 73 for none however, soon became 73-3.

A number of middle order batters got “in”, but couldn’t take it further. Knocks from Felix Joseph (32), Sam Read (31), Josh Nott (27), Jonathon Lewis-Oliver (20no) and skipper Joe Gore (27no) kept their team in the game, but eventually when their 50 overs ran out they had fallen 33 runs short at 253 for nine.

Sandford’s overseas star Aryan Lakra did most of the damage with an excellent return of 5-40 (10), supported by skipper Jackson Thompson 2-56 (10) and young speedster James Theedom 2-25 (7).  The 20 points gained retained Sandford’s four-point advantage at the top of the Premier Division.

The Thirds travelled to local rivals Cheriton FItzpaine, and unfortunately made it three losses in three weeks with a 17 run defeat. Batting first Cheriton amassed a modest 146 for nine in their 40 overs with skipper J.Tricks smacking 49 and A.Wreford 24 in a total of 146 for nine.

For Sandford youngster Jonny Handley opening the bowling took 2-8 from 3.1 overs, and Colin Blick 3-16 (4) were the only bowlers of note.

Unfortunately this total was just beyond the capabilities of the young Sandford team who were eventually dismissed for 129 in 35 overs, with only Jemima Vereker (22) and Colin Blick (43) showing any resolve against a Cheriton attack led by C.White with 5-17 (6). Together they added 72 for the sixth wicket.

Saturday sees the Firsts at Tiverton Heathcoat (12.30pm start), with the Seconds and Thirds at Creedy Park against Yelverton and and Woodbury/Newton St Cyres Seconds respectively, both 1pm starts.

Phil Matten