Devon Cricket Board - Palmer has headache after stand-ins shine against Hatherleigh

Palmer has headache after stand-ins shine against Hatherleigh

SANDFORD put their problems to one side long enough to beat Hatherleigh by three wickets.
Availability problems left skipper Jamie Palmer to plunder the 2nd XI to get a side out.
By the time the gaps in the 1st XI were filled, Sandford didn’t have enough players left to get a side on the field against Sidmouth in the 2nd XI match.
The 2nd XI players did more than just fill in though, which is going to give skipper Jamie Palmer a poser this week.
“I was a fantastic result and shows the strength in depth we have when so many people unavailable and can still go out and perform,” said Palmer.
“Brian Leach bowled superbly, Rory Millar held the innings together just when we were wobbling and Steve Morish's explosive 30 came just when we needed it.
“It gives me a massive selection headache this week - and that's precisely what I want.”
Hatherleigh were bowled out for 140 in the 43rd of their 50 overs – a better total than looked likely when they were 60 for five.
Leach (2-14), Russ Discombe (3-29) and Ryan Glass with the first of his three wickets were responsible for the damage.
Rhys Davies (34), Andy Bennett (23) and Charlie Nielson (21no) put up a rearguard action before Glass (3-27) wrapped up the innings.
Sandford didn’t start promisingly – Nielson (4-22) and Carl Schwarz made sure of that – and were well off the pace at 69 for five.
Millar (22), Morrish (30) and Leach with 16 not out turned the game Sandford’s way.
It was Hatherleigh’s first defeat in seven starts dating back to August last year.
Skipper Mark Lake said they only had themselves to blame.
“Lack of discipline with the bat cost us dear,” said Lake.
“Poor shot selection meant we threw away at least five wickets.
“If we want to continue to do well we need to start focusing and stop being complacent!
“We bowled really well to get them four down early, but after that Sanford chased the target down well.
“One hundred and eighty was a good score - and we batted like we needed 280.”
Sandford head to Lewdown this Saturday for the first meeting between the two clubs in the Devon League.

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