When this fixture was arranged for Bank Holiday Monday the alarm bells should have rung and the rain duly arrived at five minutes passed midday after 11 and half overs had been bowled. The Development eleven were the guests of the Sandford Chairman, Derrick Phillips who was celebrating 30 years in office. Derrick had been rushed into hospital the previous Friday but was given an exeat for two hours to join the sides for an excellent lunch. The home side had been decimated by calls to the full County side at Bovey Tracey but were still able to put out a reasonable squad. Matt Theedom tossed and David Manning used his customary luck to call correctly and batted under gray sky's. The Barton pairing of Nick Watkin and Will Grainger opened against Matt and Andy Theedom and put on 46 before Grainger nicked one off Andy to Neil Davey at slip for a 40 ball 21. At this point umpires Matten and Govier decided to take the sides in for an early lunch and as it transpired conclusion as the rain did not stop. Nick Watkin fresh from two undefeated 50's over the previous two days was on his way to his third undefeated on 11!

The Devon Cricket Board would thank Derrick Phillips and the Sandford Cricket Club for the opportunity of getting the squad together and their superb hospitality. It was a shame the weather robbed the writer of a Sandford tea and bar becue.

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