By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SANDFORD go into their top-of-the-table clash away to Heathcoat in Premier North this Saturday in winning form after registering a second successive victory.

The round-one win over Hatherleigh was followed by a three-wicket victory over North Devon, whose all-out total of 197 always looked on the shy side.

It was a hard-earned win with bat and ball rather than a comprehensive one, which skipper Richard Foan was encouraged by.

Sandford opener Ryan Glass continued his early season form with a good-looking 68 on the chase and both Harrison Jones (30) and Sandy Allen (21) chipped in.

North Devon fought back with George McEndoo (2-31) striking twice in an over, which left Sandford needing 50 to win with three wickets in tact.

Skipper Richard Foan (21no) and Chris Simpson (34) did what was necessary to win the game.

North Devon had been in all sorts of trouble when they batted, sliding to 57 for seven after a pummelling from Harrison Jones (3-31) and Jamie Palmer (4-24).

McEndoo, a new recruit from Barnstaple & Pilton, dropped anchor to make 36 off 84 balls and Devon fast bowler Jack Popham showed he could bat a bit too by making 69 in a stand of 103 that staved off total collapse.

Foan admitted Sandford did make ‘hard work’ of dismissing north Devon, but added: “After having them 57 for seven their lower order batted well.

“ Jaime and Harrison bowled really well with the new ball and put pressure on North Devon’s top order.”

Foan praised Glass for his solid knock, but reserved his hardest pat on the back for Simpson, who went in at number nine.

“He gets a special mention for getting us over the line with some fantastic shots,” said Foan.

“It shows the strength in depth we having in the order that last year’s numbers 10 and 11 (Simpson and Palmer) have both won games for us with good 30s this season.”

Tom Popham, the North Devon captain, said the consolation of losing a close game was the fighting spirit his side showed.

“The cluster of wickets we lost cost us as we could have done with 20 more, but George and Jack batted superbly to get us to a defendable score,” said Popham. 

“We again fought back well with the ball as they looked at one point to be coasting home 

“The fight and never say die attitude was great to see from us and we dragged it back to make it tight at the end.

“Every time we play Sandford it's tight, which shows there's not much between the sides.”

Click here to read report and reaction from Hatherleigh against Heathcoat