SKIPPER Jackson Thompson, backed-up by Byron Knowles, bowled Premier leaders Sandford to a 59-run win over Heathcoat.

Sandford had been bowled out for 201 when they batted – and when Heathcoat were 128 for three on the chase they had the upper hand.

What happened next was a collapse of monumental proportions as Thompson and Knowles took seven wickets for 14 runs between them as Heathcoat slumped to 142 all out.

Thompson finished with five for 38 and Knowles four for 24 as Heathcoat crumbled.

The captain was modest about his own role in winning the game. He preferred to pick out Knowles for his contribution.

“Byron’s spell was game changing as he bowled the perfect length on that wicket,” said Thompson.

“We found a way to win from what looked like a certain defeat when Heathcoat were 128 for three.”

Jamie Drew, who skippered Heathcoat in the absence of Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings due to illness, said the game should go down as one that got away.

“I think it's fair to say we were in control of the game for the majority, but going from 128 for three to 142 all out is simply not good enough,” said Drew.

“Fair play to Sandford: they showed why they are top of the table.”

Lawrence Walker was Sandford’s top scorer with 67. He was involved in stands that added 129 after opener Aryan Lakra came and went for 22.

“Lawrence is consistently a class act at the moment,” said his captain.

Thompson made 24 and Ryan Glass a patient 32 on Heathcoat’s new hybrid wicket.

“We were playing on a hybrid wicket for the first time and from what I saw and witnessed I was not a fan of it,” said Thompson.

“There was too much bounce – even from fuller balls – so always interested as a bowler!”

Drew saw things a little differently.

“I think we bowled and fielded really well and were very happy to bowl Sandford out for 201 on what was a pretty good batting track,” said Drew.

Opener Tom Hatton made 51 at better ran run-a-ball rate for Heathcoat when the going was good against the new ball. He was third out on 80.

“Tom Hatton came hard at us and will be disappointed to have left a ton out there,” said Thompson.

Joe Du Gay (33) and James Boyle (19) appeared to have put Heathcoat in the driving seat before it all went pear-shaped.