SANDFORD go into the second half of the Devon League season with promotion firmly in their sights.

Lowly Plymstock were swept aside by eight wickets last time out, Sandford skipper Richard Foad smashing a rapid century as victory was wrapped up with more than 17 overs to spare.

Unbeaten Hatherleigh – played nine, won the lot – are 30 points clear at the top from second-placed Sandford. Cornwood are a further 30 points back in third.

Foan wasn’t coy about Sandford’s aims at the start of the season – and midway through nothing has changed.

“Promotion was always the aim and that is still the case,” said Foan.

“I am very happy with the position we are in at half way, but it is only half way so there are plenty of points still to play for.”

Charles Martin tops scored for Plymstock with 53 in their total of 201 all out.

Plymstock did well to reach 201 all out having been 46 for five after an early going over from Jamie Palmer (3-24), aided and abetted by Pete Steer (3-24) and Matt Theedom (1-23).

Martin and skipper Scott Mansfeld (42) dug Plymstock out of a hole by putting on 83 for the sixth wicket.

Chris Jelley broke the stand when he removed Mansfield, but Martin kept going. He was last man out having added another 72 with the tail-enders.

“Some good bowling early on meant we found ourselves in an all-too familiar situation on probably the best batting wicket we've come across this season,” said Plymstock skipper Mansfield.

Plymstock needed early wickets to make a game of it, but none were forthcoming.

Foan and Neil Bettis (51) hoisted 121 for the first wicket. Game over.

James Nicholls (2-23) broke the stand and also removed Foan with the score on 184 for two.

Foan had 12 fours and five sixes in the 106 he scored from 84 balls faced.

Charles Fitzroy (20no) took Sandford the rest of the way there.

Mansfield tried eight different bowlers to slow things up. Syed Ali (0-19) as the only one to go for less than four an over.

“Foan was extremely destructive,” said Plymstock skipper Mansfield.

“Our bowlers really struggled for the first time in a long time.  

“This season they have been great, this game just wasn't to be.  Only James Nicholls went for under four and half an over.” 

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