SANDFORD will go straight back into Division One of the Blights Motors North Devon League following their re-election to the competition.

Paul Smith, the Sandford secretary, argued Sandford’s case for readmission at the competition’s annual meeting, which took place in the North Devon CC pavilion. 

Sandford fielded two teams in the NDL until 2019. They chose not to return in 2021 when serious cricket resumed after the Covid break.

Sandford were excused having to return via Division Two due to a newly-introduced ruling, and an element of common sense.

A significant rule change voted in at the meeting ended compulsory promotion from Division Two to Division One, which Newton Tracey took advantage of.

Although Newton Tracey finished top of Division Two, they shared views expressed by other clubs in tier two that the step-up to Division One is too wide.

Under the new ruling clubs can now apply for promotion if they win Division two, rather than go up automatically.

The ruling definitely chimed with the thoughts of league chairman Graham Moore, who qualified his address to members by voicing concerns about the dominance of overseas players in Division One. Overseas players are not permitted in Division Two.

Bridestowe & Belstone, Heathcoat, Bideford and North Devon are among the NDL clubs who operate in the top three divisions of the Tolchards DCL on Saturday afternoons with overseas players, all of whom featured in the NDL’s top-10 batting list.

Bideford’s Lukanyo Metu blasted an unbeaten 203 against North Devon, although Bideford were on the receiving end themselves when Bridestowe & Belstone’s Shaq Glasgow caned them for 179 not out.

Sandford, a DCL Premier Division side, have taken the NDL Division One spot previously filled by Nomansland, who finished bottom and were relegated.

Exford were re-elected following their difficult 2025 season. Will Lock, representing the club, informed the meeting they were joining forces with Morebath CC to improve player availability.

Match rules regarding wides and free hits were passed unanimously. Clubs and umpires will get notification pre-season

All matches will start no later than 1pm. Clubs can mutually agree on an earlier start.