LAST Saturday saw Sandford Cricket Club’s 1st and 3rd teams maintain their unbeaten starts to the season, but unfortunately the 2nds again failed to get their first win. 

The 1st XI travelled to Bovey Tracey, and having dismissed the home team for 146 in 45.2 overs, must have been very confident in knocking off the runs without too much difficulty.  

However, cricket is a funny game, and having reached 90 for 1 the job appeared to be almost done. The loss of Adam Small (42) and Lawrence Walker (35) within an over of each other put a different complexion on the game. 

With the middle order disappearing quite quickly, it was left to debutant Tom Maidment (24) and skipper Jackson Thompson (17 no) to put Sandford within touching distance.  

With the 9th wicket though falling at 142 it was ‘squeaky bum’ time until JT smacked the winning four, and in doing so gained another bonus point. 

The skipper had also earlier bowled very well in the Bovey innings finishing with 3 for 15 from his 10 overs. The only other bowler of note was Aryan Lakra with 2-36 (6). The 18 points gained still sees the 1sts at the top of the Premier Division with a 14 point advantage over Bradninch. 

The 2nds played Kingsbridge at home, but again came away winless. Kingsbridge had made steady progress in their inning without ever dominating thanks to a good knock of 60 from opener Fletcher. However, with 5 overs to go, captain Maxwell decided to let rip and ended up smashing 6 sixes and 4 fours in an excellent knock of 85 no.  

He guided his team to an eventual 246 from their 45 overs. For Sandford Praison Alias took 3-63 (9) and young Ben Handley managed 2-47 (7). 

Steady knocks from a number of players kept the scoreboard ticking over, with Jon James (29), Shaun Hawking (22), Praison Alias and Archie Osborne – both 31, and Pete Steer (28) doing well, but not well enough. In the end Sandford were bowled out for 221, and their wait for a win continues. This defeat sees them bottom of the league. 

The 3rds started well in their game at Creedy Park having Heathcoat 4ths 49 for 3, before letting them reach 175 for 6 in their 40 overs. Glyn Baker creating the early damage with 3-31 from 7 overs. Matt Parkes (41), Daniel Harrison (30) and Matt Harrison (36 no) scoring the bulk of the Heathcoat runs, plus Sandford helped them by giving away 34 extras – 23 wides. 

In reply Sandford crumpled to 48 for 4 before Zack Blewett (25) and Jack James (26 – 11 balls) gave the home team a fighting chance.  

At 87-6 skipper Alex Stevens was joined by Liam Gardner and together they pushed the score to 140 before Liam was out for a patient 17.  

However, skipper Stevens took his time and batted with maturity for an undefeated 52 not out and together with 14-year-old Alfie Butterfield 13 not out, they saw their side to victory at 177 for 7 with 5 overs remaining. 

The 18 points gained sees Sandford 3rds top of G Division East with a 9-point advantage. 

Next week’s fixtures: Saturday, June 8 – 1sts Bradninch & Kentisbeare Home 12.30pm; 2nds Brixham Away 1pm; 3rds Bradninch & Kentisbeare 3rds Home 1pm. Sunday, June 9 – 3rds Filleigh Home T20 2pm. Thursday, June 13 Development XI Nomansland T20 Home 6pm. 

By Phil Matten