SANDY Allen, who was on Warwickshire’s books as a youngster, hit 20 fours and four sixes during a 146-ball stay in the middle at Sandford Cricket Club.

It was his eighth Premier ton, beating his previous high of 113 made for Budleigh Salterton against North Devon way back in 2009. Sam Stein picked off Sandford batters Ryan Glass and Richard Foan in a running total of 30 for two. By the time Allen was dismissed by Faizan Riaz, caught on the boundary going for another six, the score had reached 270 for three.

Allen’s partner in a stand of 240 for the third wicket was Harrison Jones, whose contribution was 87.  Although Allen and Jones went four runs apart, there was little let up for Plymouth’s hard-pressed bowlers.

Johnathan Campbell, Sandford’s Zimbabwean professional, flogged a flagging attack for 40 not out off just 19 balls.

Plymouth were all out for 208 in reply with exactly 13 overs un-bowled.

For long spells the city side were not far off the asking rate, but lacked an early order batter with longevity to build a long chase.

Trevor Anning (2-46) and Harrison Jones (2-28) got into Plymouth’s prime batters. Skipper Richard Foan (5-38) spun out the lower order.

Foan said he had asked the batters "to be selfish" and Allen took him at his word. “Sandy was outstanding in a club record partnership with Harrison,” said Foan.

The Second XI travelled to Exeter and recorded their first victory of the season.

A disciplined bowling display backed up with some very enthusiastic fielding meant that the home side were restricted to 196 for six. Both Shaun Hawkins and Liam Gardner took two wickets but James Theedom is to be congratulated on stepping up to open the bowling.

Towards the end of the game the rain came in but by then Sandford were ahead of the run rate and were awarded the match with a victory of five wickets. Tom Gidney top scored with 42 but there were also useful contributions of 27 for Chris Blake, 21 not out for Jason Matten and 20 for Archie Osborne before Ben Clement entered the fray and plundered a quick 37 not out. 

The Third XI completed the hat trick of victories for the Kingfishers.

Travelling to Exwick Ellie Bishop top scored with 61 not out as Sandford were bowled out for 146. To then bowl the home side out for 47 and win by 99 runs was a truly remarkable achievement. 

The sad note of the season is to report that there is little support amongst the current membership for cricket on a Sunday and therefore the Club has withdrawn from the North Devon League.

Fixtures this week:

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 26 - Second XI v Clyst St George - 1pm start; Sunday, June 27 - Ladies v Topsham St James - 2pm start; Tuesday, June 29 - Sandford Youth v Yeoford - 6.15pm start; Wednesday, June 30 - Three Little Pigs v Rugby Club - 6.15pm start.

Mike Canning