Sandford keep pressure on Premier leaders by beating Bovey Tracey | 'It was a fantastic performance and, in the end, it was a comfortable win' – Richard Foan

Sandy Allen - top scored with 67 in Sandford

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SANDFORD kept the pressure on leaders North Devon by handing out a seven-wicket beating to Bovey Tracey.

North Devon’s win over Sidmouth keeps them top of the table on 1674 points with Sandford (159) and defending champions Heathcoat (143) behind them.

Bovey, whose overseas professional Munir Kakar has temporarily left the club to take part in an international training camp with his Afghan colleagues, were bowled out for 170

At 70 for five after early difficulties against Harrison Jones (3-24) and Jackson Thompson (2-27), and with Abraham Kopparambil (32) already back in the pavilion, Bovey needed a lift.

Ashley Causey (35) and Seb Ansley (26) fought back by pushing the running total to 144 for seven.

Once Causey was spun out by Jack Ford (3-35) it was downhill all the way for Bovey to 170 all out.

Andrew Buzza got Sandford off to a flying start with 26 off 15 balls before he was first out with the score on 28!

Surviving opener Sandy Allen (67) and Adam Small (54no) put on 105 for the second wicket to end the game as meaningful contest. Skipper Richard Foan (12no) joined Small for the last leg of the chase.

Foan later described it as ‘a comfortable’ win and with 18 overs to spare he was definitely right.

“Harrison and Jackson bowled great spells after Bovey got off to a pretty good start,” said Foan.

“Jack Ford again bowled with control and deserved his wickets. 

“Then Sandy and Adam batted superbly and controlled the chase

”It was a fantastic performance and, in the end, it was a comfortable win.”

Lewis Hammett, the Bovey captain, agreed, saying: “The best side won.”

Hammett added: “We didn't give ourselves enough of a chance by being 50-70 runs short.

“I felt big decisions went against us in both innings, which made it hard to make a proper game of it.”