WHAT a difference a week makes for Sandford Cricket Club. Last week three games - three losses. This week - three games - three wins.

The Firsts made the short journey into Exeter for what looked to be a really difficult match against an Exeter team which over the past few weeks appeared to be “bang in form”, by overtaking Sandford into second place in the Premier Division.

Early morning rain meant that when play eventually got under way the match was reduced to 36 overs per side. Skipper Thompson however, elected to bat first on what would prove to be a difficult wicket.

At 47 for two Lawrence Walker 51 (six fours and a six) and overseas Aryan Lakra 26 (two fours and a six) shared a third wicket stand of 64 runs which would prove to be decisive, as Sandford were eventually bowled out for 168 in only 34 overs.

In reply Exeter never got to grips with the difficult wicket and lost wickets regularly. Fin Hill 24, Sam Read 20 and Zach Vukusic 34n.o. scoring most of the runs in Exeter’s all out reply of 127 in 26.5 overs.

Matt Jeacock 2-54 (6.5), Byron Knowles 3-30 (7) and Aryan Lakra 4-39 (8) did the damage for Sandford.

The 18 points gained allowed Sandford to regain second place in the league, three points in front of Exeter, with one game to go. Bradninch’s victory at Exmouth saw them win the title, and congratulations to them.

The Seconds, at home to South Devon, needed a win to secure their position in the C Division for next season. This they did in fine style bowling them out for 120 in only 33.5 overs.

Only opener Mark Andrews offered any resistance with 35, but none of the visitor’s batsmen had an answer to the off spin of veteran Matt Theedom 5-24 (6.5), ably supported by youngsters Sebi Gibbs 2-11 (5) and Jack James 2-26 (5).

Sandford made easy work of their reply with Jon James 50no (eight fours) and Tom Gidney 56 (13 fours) sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 92, to see their side home by nine wickets.

Considering the start the Seconds had to their season - defeat in six of their first seven matches, with the other one cancelled - this result ensured survival in the C Division, whichever group they eventually end up in (East or West), with the prospect of seeing many of the youngsters who have played in this team, and gaining experience this year, progressing even more next year.

The Thirds consolidated their first season in the G Division East and remain in fourth position, following their win by 87 runs against local rivals Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Elliott Butterfield followed up his remarkable exploits of a couple of weeks ago, when he scored 162 from only 74 balls, with another scintillating 102 off 62 balls this week. His knock included 10 fours and 5 sixes – not bad for a 16 year old.

With Jemima Vereker weighing in with 23, Elliott’s father Barny cruising to 31 (five fours), followed by some late thrashing from Liam Gardner 48 (two fours and four sixes) and 28 from skipper Alex Stevens 28 (three fours), Sandford amassed 288 for seven in their 40 overs. 

Most of Cheriton’s bowlers came in for some stick, but a special mention must go to A.Dale 4-38 (8) and N.Roud 2-38 (8) to ensure their team at least remained in the game.

Under pressure from the start, Cheriton lost wickets regularly in pursuit of their quarry, but only E.Carter 81 (eight fours and three sixes) and A.Wreford 31 (four fours and a six) made much headway against the Sandford attack led by Liam Gardner, who completed a good all-round game, with 3-30 (6.2) and Colin Blick 2-22 (6). Cheriton were eventually dismissed for 201 in 32.2 overs.

This coming Saturday remarkably sees the final league games of the season, with the 1sts at home to Heathcoat 12.30 start, and the Seconds and Thirds travelling to Yelverton and Woodbury respectively with 1pm starts.

At Creedy Park the club will be entertaining some of our many sponsors and volunteers who are able to attend, with a lunch and tea. However, the Club would like to thank all of them for their contributions in making 2024 another successful year on the cricket pitch at Creedy Park.

Phil Matten