SANDFORD’s situation at the bottom of the table wasn’t improved by a 143-run drubbing by Sidmouth.
Josh Bess (55) laid a foundation at the top of the order, which was followed by Zak Bess and Aviwa Mgijima cutting loose.
Zak Bess clubbed Sandford for an unbeaten 142 off just 109 balls. He hit 12 fours and seven sixes. Mgijima contributed 55 to a stand of 125 for the fourth wicket.
Henry Gater (57) was Bess’ running mate in a further stand of 132 unbroken in total of 331 for five.
There were three wickets each for Charlie Miles (3-26) and Max Hancock (3-38) as Sandford were bowled out for 188.
Faisal Iqbal (53), Richard Foan (29) and Chris Jelley (33) took Sandford to a respectable 147 for four in reply. When Jelley fell to young spinner Hancock it was downhill all the way.
The last five wickets, commencing with Freddie Filor, fell for just 22 runs.
Sandford are 24 points adrift at the bottom of the table heading into the basement clash with fellow strugglers Bradninch this Saturday.
Assessing the defeat by Sidmouth, skipper Foan said: “We had a good start, bowled to our plans but they just got away from us at the end of the innings.
“Although Chris Simpson and Matt Theedom bowled really well with the new ball. 332 was always going to be out of our reach, especially after a tough 50 overs in the field.
“Faisal got another 50, but only making 188 on a good track we pretty disappointing.
“We move on to this Saturday against a side we have already beaten and are more then capable of beating again.”
