THE only way is up for Sandford in what remains of the Premier Division season after a nine-wicket pasting by Plymouth left them bottom of the table.

Sandford are 21 points adrift at the bottom of the table going into the derby with Heathcoat this Saturday in round nine of 18 games 

Sandford made 210 for nine in their full 50 overs – veteran former Devon batsman Adrian Small rolling back the years with a top score of 78 not out.

Opener James Toms was Plymouth’s only casualty as the runs were knocked off with more than 20 overs to spare.

Victory hoisted Plymouth 25 points away from the bottom two relegation places to their highest league placing of the season so far.

Small went in at 57 for two after Sandford had lost Faisal Iqbal (34) then Richard Foan (19) in quick succession.

After Neil Bettis, another ex-Devon player, was in and out for one, Small and Ryan Glass (18) put on 63 for the fourth wicket.

Wickets fell in the dash for runs at the end. Plymouth spinner Faizan Riaz finished with three for 27 and there were two more for Matt Petherbridge.

Plymouth went off in hot pursuit with Toms (66) and James Burke wiping 107 off the target.

Riaz (42no) and Burke (61no) knocked off the rest unhindered, assisted by Sandford giving away 42 extras.

Winning skipper Jon Varcoe said it was a textbook chase by his side.

“James Toms set the tone then Faz and James Burke finished it off,” said Varcoe.

“At teas we felt 210 was definitely gettable with small boundaries and a rapid outfield.”

Losing skipper Foan admitted his side had been outplayed.

He added: “We worked really hard to get to 200 and Adrian Small batted really well. 

“Plymouth got off to a great start chasing and took the game away from us. 

“We move on to Heathcoat next and will keep giving everything to get a win.”