Sandford's Ryan Glass, who shared an unbroken match-winning stand of 64 with Ryan Hunter in the win over Bideford

SANDFORD got the North Devon League season up and running with an eight-wicket win over visiting Bideford.

Jon James, the Sandford skipper, won the toss, his trust in his young charges and elected to field.

Opposite number Jack Ford, a former Sandford player, opened the innings with a stout 32, putting on 61 for the first wicket with James Greenleaf (51).Praison Alias - two wickets for 23 runs

Once Ford became one of Alfie Butterfield’s (3-35) victims, runs were at a premium. Fawaaz Gallie contributed 27 not out, and Marcus Bulled chipped in with 13, as the visitors reached 154 for eight in their 40 overs. Extras (47) helped the cause. There was a couple of wickets for Praison Alias (2-23).

Sandford made light work of the chase and reached their target in 23 overs. 

There was an early success for veteran Biddy seamer Chris Luxton, who dismissed dangerman James with the score on 11.

That just hastened the arrival of former Ireland under-19 international Ryan Hunter at the crease, who shared an 83-run partnership with Joe Hopkins (30). 

Hopkins demise, trapped by Gallie, brought Ryan Glass to the wicket and the two namesakes saw their side to victory. 

Hunter scored a robust 82 not out. He hit a six and 12 fours,. Glass made 30 not out, 24 of which came in boundaries.

Although Bideford were on the wrong end of the result, they can take the consolation that they only bowled seven wides.