LAST Saturday saw Sandford Cricket Club achieve another maximum 60 point return from their three league matches with all three teams gaining 20 point victories.

The Firsts achieved an excellent result against previously second placed Paignton at Creedy Park in the Premier Division, when they rolled over the visitors for only 138 on an unusually difficult turning Creedy Park wicket.

Having asked the visitors to bat first, Sandford quickly made in-roads into the Paignton top order as they subsided to 26 for four thanks mainly to skipper for the day, Jamie Palmer, removing run machine Luke Medlock in his first over, and overseas star Ayabulela Gqamana soon afterwards.

Wickets fell steadily and at 99 for 9 it seemed odds-on that Sandford would be batting before tea. However, they had not bargained for a last wicket stand of 39 between skipper Harry Ward 44 and last man Steve George 16no.

In the end a total of 138 in 41.4 overs would seem a formality for Sandford to achieve a much needed victory.

The Sandford bowling had been led by Aryan Lakra 3-24 (10) well supported by Jamie Palmer 2-26 (10) and James Theedom 2-34 (8).

Despite the loss of an early wicket a second wicket stand of 55 between James Theedom 28 and Lawrence walker 10 plus a good supply of extras saw Sandford seemingly on their way.

With Aryan Lakra 24, and Adam Small 34no showing a return to form, the expected win appeared a formality. However a mini mid-order collapse left things on edge at 120 for 6, until young Joe Hopkins 11no helped Smally guide their team to a 20 point four wicket victory in 34.4 overs.

This victory kept Sandford in 7th place, but more importantly moved them 35 points clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining.

Next Saturday the Firsts are at home to Exmouth, 12.30pm start.

Phil Matten