CORNWOOD’S promotion hopes suffered what prove a terminal setback after they lost by 39 runs to Sandford.
Going into round ten in the A Division, Sandford were second and Cornwood already 30 points further behind in third.
Losing to Sandford has dropped Cornwood down to fourth as Budleigh Salterton went past them by beating Brixham.
Cornwood aren’t going to catch leaders Hatherleigh, who made it 10 out of 10 by trouncing Ivybridge by nine wickets. Hatherleigh are 72 points away – virtually over the horizon!
Second-placed Sandford are now 41 points ahead, which will take some clawing back in the eight games left.
Duncan Boase, Cornwood’s director of cricket, won’t give up yet.
“It is going to be tough, but we keep going,” said Boase.
Sandford made 222 for eight in their 50 overs – opener Neil Bettis top scoring on 86. The former Devon left-hander faced 136 balls making his runs.
Bettis was backed up by Matt Theedom (30) and Pete Steer (20).
Spinners prospered with Matt Tamsett (4-41) and Jason Hall (2-45) leading the wicket-taking effort.
Andy Bees - one for 26 from 10 – and Shahaz Ahamd (0-25) bowled miserly medium pace.
“Bettis batted well and showed application, but we let them get away with it in the last overs,” mused Boase.
Cornwood chipped away at the deficit with Matt Skeemer (27), Steve Lambert (29) and Matt Butterworth (28) getting the tally up to 120 for four.
No one made a substantial score to hang a chase on though and in the latter overs Cornwood fell away.
Only James Horgan (22) made much headway once the slide to 183 began.
Again the spinners prospered with Richard Foan (3-35) and Ryan Glass (2-38) the pick for Cornwood.
“We lost our way when batting and did well to get 183 in the end,” said Boase.
Winning skipper Richard Foan said Bettis’ contribution to the outcome could not be underestimated.
“Neil produced one of the best batting displays I have seen for the club,” said Foan.
“To bat for 50 overs on that wicket was a great effort.
“We bowled well as a team and stuck to our plans very well it was a good, all-round team display.”
