Jack Popham - key wickets for North Devon

SANDFORD remain in the Premier Division bottom two after an eight-run defeat by North Devon.

Close-run things are becoming a Sandford speciality this season – as skipper Richard Foan is well aware.

Going into the game, Foan said: ““It is great to be involved in some close games, but we need to find a way to win them.”

Judging from this latest defeat, Sandford still haven’t found a way.

North Devon took the scenic route to 171 all out, which took them via 28 for four, 56 for six and 79 for seven, when Ed Yeo was dismissed for a top score of 41.

Josh King (20), Steffan James (38) and Jack Popham (21) helped North Devon put on 92 for their last three wickets

Reliable Jamie Palmer took three for 21 and there were two wickets apiece for Matt Theedom, Pete Steer and Foan.

Sandford were 97 for four when Foan was dismissed for 44, not exactly coasting but certainly well placed.

Spin proved Sandford’s undoing as Adrian Isherwood and in particular man of the match James (3-39) worked through the middle order.

As long as Chris Jelley (22) stayed healthy Sandford had a chance,  but Devon duo Jack Popham (3-25) and Josh King (3-39) kept knocking over his partners.

Jelley was last man out to King on 163, condemning Sandford to defeat number five.

Disappointed skipper Foan said: “We nearly snatched it at the end. 

“We bowled and fielded really well Jamie and Theeds did a great job at the start we probably just let them get a few too many. 

“We were pretty comfortable at drinks but they bowled well and we couldn't get over line.”

Sandford run into former captain Richard Baggs this Saturday when they visit Exmouth.

Victorious captain Matt Westaway said North Devon were learning how to win tight games, which is a good skill to acquire.

“From being reduced to 50-odd for six then 70-odd for seven, getting up to 170 showed the strength in depth of the batting,” said Westaway. 

“Sandford bowled extremely well up front and our batsmen struggled. 

"Ed Yeo's and Steff James’ innings were crucial.

“All five bowlers kept it tight after tea. Jack Popham bowled with express pace and could easily have picked up half a dozen.  

"Josh King is no slouch either and his last two wickets got us over the line.

“Steffan and A J (Isherwood) are quality, left-arm spinners and it was Steff who got the wickets this week to cap off his deserved man-of-the-match performance. 

“With two tight finishes going our way it appears momentum is now swinging in our favour."

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