NORTH Devon thrashed Sandford by 102 runs in the Sandhills to shoot clear at the top of the Premier Division table.

Long-time leaders North Devon were held to 202 for nine in a 47-over game in the Sandhills, which seemed a total in Sandford’s reach.

Sandford’s response never got out of the slow lane and they were all out for just 101 with more than 18 overs to go.

What was a five-point gap between the top two has now widened to 18 as the league season enters its final third.

North Devon opener Ben Howe made 34 of the first 66 in the book and Jack Moore (30) was next out in a running total of 82 for four.

Tom Popham, the North Devon captain, made a patient 49 and a chip-in of 29 not out from brother Jack got North Devon past 200.

Meanest of the bowlers were Jackson Thompson (4-24) and Harry Everett (2-22). James Theedom’s none for 19 off six overs at the end caught the eye.

A succession of Sandford batters got in, got settled and got out again without getting past 20. Sandy Allen made 19 and Thompson 15.

Wickets were shared with three for Darren Butler, two for Jack Popham and two more at the end of Howe. Popham accounted for Adam Small and Foan in successive balls.

Winning skipper Popham admitted after the match he was unsure whether or not North Devon had enough runs on the board to win the game.

“Again I thought we could be a bit short but with the wind as well it was a tricky deck, to score fluently on,” said Popham.

“It was probably the best we've bowled all season: all the bowlers were exceptional. 

“The game did get a bit fiery at times, which is how it can go sometimes as much as it shouldn't, especially in important games.

“Credit to Richard Foan and his Sandford players for sharing a few beers after the game and having a laugh. That is how cricket should be.”

Foan is not about to run up the white flag on his side’s hopes of winning the Premier Division title despite a heavy defeat in the second-against-first clash with North Devon.

What was a five-point gap between the top two has now widened to 18, not that Foan is unduly concerned.

“It really was an opportunity missed, but there are plenty of points still up for grabs (120) and I am sure there will be plenty of twists still to come,” said Foan.

Looking back on the game Foan was clear what went well… and what did not.

“We bowled and fielded pretty well to restrict North Devon to gettable total,” said Sandford skipper Foan.

“James Theedom was fantastic at the end of the innings and Jackson put in another great display with the ball.

“We didn't apply ourselves with the bat at all and I was really disappointed with out chase,” said Foan.

“No one really made any effort to take it to the bowling and we couldn't put any partnerships together.”