SANDFORD Cricket Club’s First XI made it three wins from their last four matches last Saturday, July 12 when they defeated Plymouth at Creedy Park by seven wickets.

Plymouth lost two early wickets to Jamie Palmer as they batted first, but despite a fourth wicket recovery of 75 runs, their momentum was quite slow. Having reached 145 for four, Plymouth then saw their last six wickets fall for the addition of only 15 runs, as they were eventually bowled out for 160 after 43.3 overs.

For Sandford, Tom Maidment led the way finishing with four for 34 from 8.3 overs, with Jamie Palmer claiming two–18 (six) and skipper Jackson Thompson helping to mop up the tail with two-32 (10).

In reply, JT led his team towards victory with a superb 64 from only 51 balls (10 fours and two sixes), helped by Lawrence Walker with welcomed return to form with 47 not out (seven fours and a six), as the home team strolled to victory in only 24.5 overs for the loss of only three wickets.

This win moved Sandford up to sixth in the Devon Premier League, but more importantly, 42 points off the relegation zone.

This Saturday sees the Firsts travel to current League champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare for a 12.30pm start.

Phil Matten