By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
SANDY Allen smashed a career-best score of 159 in Sandford’s 115-run win over visiting Plymouth.
Allen took Plymouth’s bowling to task in a big way in the villagers’ 50-over total of 323 for five.
Allen, who was on Warwickshire’s books as a youngster, hit 20 fours and four sixes during a 146-ball stay in the middle. It was his eighth Premier ton beat his previous high of 113 made for Budleigh Salterton against North Devon way back in 2009.
Sam Stein picked off Sandford batters Ryan Glass and Richard Foan in a running total of 30 for two.
By the time Allen was dismissed by Faizan Riaz, caught on the boundar going for another six, the score had reached 270 for three. Allen’s partner in a stand of 240 for the third wicket was Harrison Jones, whose contribution was 87.
Jon Varcoe, the Plymouth captain, was the first to praise the quality of Allen’s knock.
“Sandy scored a chanceless 150 on a good pitch,” said Varcoe, who works with Allen for the Devon Cricket Board.
Although Allen and Jones went four runs apart, there was little let up for Plymouth’s hard-pressed bowlers.
Jonathan Campbell, Sandford’s Zimbabwean professional, flogged a flagging attack for 40 not out off just 19 balls.
Bowling highlights were hard to find in Plymouth’s side of the scorebook, although Stein won’t be too disappointed with two for 35 off 10 overs. No one else went for less than six an over.
Plymouth were all out for 208 in reply with exactly 13 overs un-bowled. For long spells the city side were not far off the asking rate, but lacked an early order batter with longevity to build a long chase around.
“We looked in a good position to chase but lost wickets at key times,” admitted Varcoe.
Riaz made 53, Varcoe 29, but both were out by the time Plymouth reached 151 for five – and Harry Stephenson (24) was not far behind them.
A combination of Peter Lojszczyk (25), Rob Bennett (13) and Richard Goldsby-West (11) got Plymouth past 200 and entitled to a fourth batting bonus point.
Trevor Anning (2-46) and Harrison Jones (2-28) got into Plymouth’s prime batters. Skipper Richard Foan (5-38) spun out the lower order.
Foan said he had asked the batters ‘to be selfish’ and Allen took him at his word.
“Sandy was outstanding in a club record partnership with Harrison,” said Foan.
“Sandy is a very busy man these days, helping Devon’s young cricketers, and they will all be looking up to him after that knock. Harrison was the perfect partner for him.
“Plymouth had a good crack at it early on but Harrison, this time with a ball, got the big wicket or Riaz.
“A great performance all around and we look forward to Cornwood this Saturday.”
