Exeter get started with a win but it's a defeat for Sidmouth on day one

SANDFORD suffered an opening day setback against visiting Exeter, who defeated them by 57 runs in the Premier Division of the Devon County Leagyue.

- by CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Exeter were always in the driving seat after amassing 267 for nine in 50 overs with Charlie Clist (69) and Sam Read (72) topping the scoring stats.

Sandford laboured to 85 for five in the 22nd over, recovered to reach 180 for seven in the 42nd, but found ten-an-over to win from the lower order too much and were all out for 210 with nine balls to go.

Clint McCabe, Exeter’s new captain, said he was confident early on the game was there to be won by his side.

"Although both teams were scratchy. and missing a couple of players, we felt in control of the game throughout," said McCabe.

"Clist and Read batted with great maturity and put our bowlers in a strong position to defend a decent score.

"It was a solid start to the season, but there is a long way to go..."

Clist, Sam Mycock (31) and Read got Exeter up to a promising 39 for four by the 28-over mark. Read and Will Price (25) added 83 for the fifth wicket as the total mounted.