Sidmouth dodge last-day drop dramas | 'I think we deserve it, as we aren't a bottom-two side' – skipper Luke Bess

SANDFORD are in relegation no-man’s land going into the final round of Premier Division matches after losing the basement battle with Sidmouth by 11 runs.

With just two points between the combatants going into the penultimate game of the season, rival captains Jackson Thompson and Luke Bess both knew the arithmetic of a win would add-up to survival.

It was Sidmouth skipper Bess who left Creedy Park the happier captain as his team are 21 points clear of the drop spots with 20 to play for against Exmouth this Saturday.

Bess said in his view survival was justice delivered.

“I think we deserve it, as we aren't a bottom-two side,” said Bess.

“We have won five out of the last six while playing with a young side and plenty of injuries and non-availabilities, under as much pressure as you can really  get.

“Hopefully this can be a turning point for the club, showing some of the younger guys that they can do it at Prem level and are capable of taking us forward.”

Sandford have a nine-point advantage over second-bottom Heathcoat with a game to go, which isn’t enough to feel too comfortable.

If Heathcoat beat visiting Cornwood this Saturday – and the South Hams side have lost four of their last five outings – Sandford could be in trouble if they lose to already-relegated North Devon.

Sidmouth’s frontline batting, with the exception of match-pro Akeem Jordan, all chipped in towards  a 50-over total of 240 for eight.

Runs from Jash Patidar (39), Charlie Gaywood (47), Bess (34) and Taylor Ingham-Hill (36) got the total up to 211 for eight.

Late notches from Will Murray (21no) and James Docherty (15no) were icing in the cake that proved invaluable in the final totting-up.

Sandford shared the wicket-taking round between Jamie Palmer (2-33), Thompson (2-35) and Aryan Lakra (2-45).

Top-half runs from Lawrence Walker (44), Ryan Glass (53) and Adam Small got Sandford up to 192 for four with 10 overs to go. The chase was on!

The probable turning point was the loss of Small for 39 with seven overs to go and 39 still needed.

A maiden over each from Murray and Noah Musikanth increased the pressure on Sandford, despite the best efforts of Shaun Hawkins (20) to keep pace.

Sandford needed 20 to win from Jordan’s last over and only got as far as 229 for eight.

For Sandford skipper Thompson, the outcome summed-up a season that has not lived-up to expectations.

“It was disappointing to get so close and not get there,” said Thompson. “That's how the season has gone for us.

“Good contributions from Adam, Ryan and Lawrence, but we needed one of us to go big.

“One more to go this Saturday. The objective is clear.”