Dan Wolf batting for Paignton against Sandford<br>credit: Gerryhunt21@btinternet.com

SANDFORD skipper Richard Foan remains confident his side will pull away from the relegation places before the season gets much older.

Early leaders Paignton were the Saturday afternoon visitors to Creedy Park and left with a satisfying 103-run win that keeps them ahead of Sidmouth at the top of the table.

Paignton cracked on to 250 for five in their 50 overs – skipper George Benton belting 70 off 47 balls in the latter stages – then bowled Sandford out for 147 in reply.

It is the second time in three starts Sandford have been dismissed for less than 150.

Sandford spent most of last season hovering in or around the drop zone and are only four points clear of it now.

Foan believes match practice will sharpen the side’s batting skills and scores.

“With the bat we were cruising at drinks, but wickets just kept falling and that brought more pressure,|” said Foan

“We all need some time in the middle to find some form, but it will come.”

Paignton were 100 for three halfway through the innings and upped the pace in the second half.

“We bowled well and had them in a bit of trouble, but they got away from us with the bat,” said Foan.

Every one of Paignton’s first nine batter got into double figures – and the two tail-enders were not out at the end.

Openers Harry Ward (37) and Dan Wolf (35) laid foundations built on by Richard Ashworth (23), Luke Medlock (21) and Benton, who was the last man out with one ball to go.

Jamie Palmer and Chris Simpson were the only Sandford bowlers to claim more than one wicket.

Sandy Allen (28), Foan (51) and veteran Adrian Small (21) – all ex-Devon players – got Sandford up and running. When Small was run out on 92 for two the pace of the chase slowed.

The game was won and lost in the time it took Sandford to slide from 115 for two to 133 for seven. Connor Ashworth spun away for a four-wicket haul and three run-outs contributed to further problems.

Paignton skipper Benton said his side’s will to win has a lot to do with them being where they are at the top of  the table.

“Once again the team spirit and enthusiasm to win was perfect,” said Benton.

“Everyone wanted to win and everyone was up for the task.

“We fielded very well which may have let the game slip away from Sandford in the first innings.

“Connor Ashworth and Cole Harford bowled brilliantly and once we had one or two wickets we knew we could get stuck in.

“We still have a lot to improve on but to be three from three is a fantastic start and we are enjoying everything at the minute.”