JACOB Caunter was the man of the moment for Plympton in their unlikely one-wicket win at Sandford.
Sandford’s total of 199 for nine – opener Neil Bettis making 81 –didn’t look that imposing at tea.
Without 38 by Ryan Glass and 26 from Pete Steer, Sandford would have been nowhere near their 199 total.
Canny bowling from Caunter (2-21) and Hakeem Abdullah (2-25) kept the score down to something within Plympton’s view.
The vista soon changed as Plympton plummeted to 21 for four, recovered to 84 for five thanks to David Ackford and Harry Kandampully, them dipped to 97 for seven.
Caunter, who went in at 97 for seven, took charge and nursed tail-enders Hakeem Abdullah and Tom Richards along to earn a win and finish on 51 not out.
It was close-run thing though as Caunter and last man Richards came together with 42 needed and scraped home with eight balls to spare.
Winning skipper Craig Donohue was the first to praise Caunter, but didn’t omit to share the credit round.
“At 21 for four we were up against it but the partnership between David Ackford (19) and Harry Kandampully (44) got us back in the game,” said Donohue.
“When we lost a few quick wickets it seemed the game was slipping away.
“Enter Jacob Caunter and Hakeem Some really good attacking batting got us close.
“At nine down Ton Richards held his end up to ensure we got over the line.”
Plympton have shown they can live with the best in the division, but doing it once is not enough for Donohue.
“The lads can be really pleased with the result, but we won't get carried away as we know we can be a lot better,” said Donohue.
“Our batting isn't firing on all cylinders and we can be better in the field, but Saturday was a great win.
“It gives us confidence knowing that even when not at 100 per cent we are really hard to beat and never out of the game.
“Our aim is to now back this up in the coming weeks.”
Sandford skipper Richard Foan was generous in his comments on Plympton and specific on what went right – and wrong – for his side.
“It was another great game of cricket and all credit to Plympton for getting over the line,” said Foan.
“An excellent batting performance from Neil Bettis really held our innings together and showed what a class act he is.
“Matt Theedom and Jamie Palmer bowled very well with the new ball.
“We just lacked a bit of intensity at crucial times, but we move on and hopefully do better next week.”
