SANDFORD dropped a strong hint they are intent on climbing the Premier Division table in a hurry with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Plymouth.
Jackson Thompson, the Sandford captain, will have had plenty to feel positive about after Plymouth were bowled out for 160 and beaten inside 25 overs.
“It was a good result and much needed,” said Thompson.
Three wins in the last four starts have lifted Sandford 42 points clear of the relegation places – and put a top-three finish in sight.
Plymouth opener Surya Suresh (30) made a solid start from one end, then Teddy Haffenden (58) and Meykle Pillay (43) pushed the score along to 128 for three.
Pillay’s exit – spun out by Ryan Glass – started the terminal slide to 160 all out.
Plymouth last six wickets vanished – Haffenden among them – for just 15 runs scored as Tom Maidment (4-34) and Thompson (2-32) picked off batter after batter.
Said Thompson: ““I lost the toss first time this season and Plymouth batting first turned out to be in our favour, although I would have batted first.
“Plymouth lost momentum after Pillay got out. All our bowlers bowled well, but Tom Maidment was stand-out. He bowled some important overs in the middle alongside Aryan. Jamie Palmer and Matt Jeacock were excellent at the top, too.”
Sandford lost wickets at 33, 83 and 116 on the way to a routine victory.
Thompson was second out having biffed 10 fours and two sixes on the way to 64. Five fours were booked in one over from Ethan Guest, who was rested after that battering.
Lawrence Walker (47no) and Adam Small (15no) were in at the end when the former put the returning Guest away for four to win it.
“Batting wise, I hacked a few and got us off to a start,” said Thompson. “Lawrence played a measured innings to finish off the game.”
Sam Stein, the Plymouth captain, could find little to be positive about after his side were bowled out for 160 and beaten inside 25 overs.
“Ted Haffenden and Meykle Pillay batted well together – as they have done all year – but once Sandford broke that partnership we did not apply ourselves,” said Stein.
“On a used pitch the Sandford spinners bowled well – so did Jamie Palmer – and they made the most of it.
“We weren't at the races with the ball either, which led to a tough day out.”
