By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
SANDFORD are clinging on to hopes of winning the Premier Division title despite a 25-run defeat by Bradninch in the derby clash at Creedy Park.
Ordinarily, at this stage of the season, two defeats in a row for a top-four side would be the end of their title aspirations.
Results elsewhere were kind to Sandford – particularly Cornwood’s win over long-time leaders North Devon – and Richard Foan’s side are actually closer to the leaders than they were on Saturday morning.
And with Heathcoat (2nd) and Cornwood (3rd) still to play in the final five games of the season, fourth-placed Sandford remain in contention.
“We are still in the mix even after the last two weeks, which shows that if a team puts a run together anyone has a chance,” said Sandy Allen, who led the side in the absence of skipper Richard Foan.
Bradninch skipper Gary Chappell showed the restrained side of his game with 60 off 92 balls to steer his side towards a total of 176 all out.
Chappell was seventh out on 142 – the second of three scalps for Sandford spinner Jack Ford (3-32) – which left Ankit Badwal (31) to add some runs at the end. No one else made more than Chad Classen, whose 14 in a low-scoring game was worth more than that.
Jamie Palmer (2-31) and Jackson Thompson (2-25) backed-up Ford in Sandford’s bowling performance.
“We weren't at our best and probably 50 light of a par score,” said Chappell. “Credit to Sandford, who bowled well and made it hard work.”
Sandford put a patchy start behind them – they were 29 for two with Allen and Ryan Glass out – to reach 100 without further mishap thanks to Harrison Jones (29) and Adam Small (62).
That’s when it all turned sour for Sandford. Wickets tumbled to Classen (3-43) and Josh Farley (3-22) as the home side slumped from 118 for three to 126 for seven.
With Small gone only Ford (17) lasted for a while before opening bowler Ross Acton (2-28) returned to knock-off the stragglers as Sandford folded on 151.
For Allen it was a tough defeat to take and one that possibly could have been avoided.
“Overall our bowling and fielding was good to restrict Bradninch to 176,” said Allen.
“We just lost our heads a bit at 100 for two and maybe thought the job was done.
“Bradninch bowled well, but to not bat the overs and lose from there is very disappointing.”
Chappell agreed that Sandford were in the driving seat on the chase, but added: “Cricket is a funny game and we have a lot of guys who can change the momentum.
"Josh Farley again bowled brilliantly and started the collapse by taking three big wickets, then Chad Classen led the seamers in finishing it off.
“It was a great win that keeps us looking above us in the table and not below.”
