By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SANDFORD’S Adam Small showed some of things he learned during a winter playing cricket in South Africa in the 71-run win over Plymouth.

Sandford reached an imposing total of 334 for five in their 50 overs –Small anchoring the inning with 86 while involved in partnerships worth 245 runs.

Small was a scholar at the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy in Cape Town and part of his timetable was playing tough league cricket for Claremont CC.

The learning gains were clear for all to see as Small dominated the Plymouth bowlers from start to finish. No wonder Somerset have looked at him in 2nd XI cricket this season.

Sandy Allen (23) and Ryan Glass (34) gave Sandford a 57-run start. Both went in the space of nine runs.

Harrison Jones put on 115 with Small for the third wicket, skipper Richard Foan was at the other end during a partnership of 42 and when Small was finally dismissed on 302 a duet of 80 with Andrew Buzza was broken,

Buzza, in the form of his life at the moment with bat and ball, went in to make 71 not out from 37 balls as Sandford’s total grew and grew.

Peter Lojszczyk (2-42) and Sam Stein (0-43) were Plymouth’s most efficient bowlers for 10 overs each.

A rain delay meant breaking out the Duckworth-Lewis tables, which fixed Plymouth’s target as 234 to win in 26 overs. Despite the best efforts of Ioan Phillips (57) and a rapid 44 from Ben Stein, Plymouth only got as far as 162 for seven before time ran out.

Jon Varcoe opened up with 34, Phillips and Stein took the total from 66 for three to 135 for four before the chase slowed up. Two run-outs did not help the Plymouth cause.

 Foan said although Small played a significant role in the win there were other contributors too

“It was a fantastic performance with the bat from start to finish,” said Foan.

“Adam batted well to anchor the innings and Andrew Buzza was brutal once again at the end of the innings. 

“Harrison Jones, as always, was Mr Consistency through the middle overs.

“With the ball we rushed through the overs to get the job done.

“I am glad we managed to get a result in difficult circumstances due to  the weather.”

Victory lifted Sandford (95pts) up to third in the table behind North Devon (102) and Heathcoat (114).

Defeat leaves Plymouth nine points and two places clear of the relegation spots in the Premier Division.

Although the weather potentially hindered Plymouth, skipper Richard Goldsby-West felt they did not help themselves.

“A few missed chances and dropped catches left us well behind the game,” said the Plymouth skipper.

“Small and Jones built a match-winning partnership and Buzza came in a displayed some quality, brutal hitting. 

“Pete Lojszczyk and Sam Stein’s bowling was a positive for us. They had great control.

“Fair play to Sandford: they out played us. We build again in the week and look forward to Bradninch away this Saturday.”