DCL 1st XI A division
Cornwood 197-3,
Sandford 196-8;
Cornwood (19 points) beat Sandford (four) by seven wickets
Cornwood ran out comfortable winners in probably their toughest challenge so far this season against a capable Sandford side who were also relegated from the Premier division last season.
Put in to bat they posted a competitive target of 196-8, and with the weather set to deteriorate as the day wore on, may have been fancying their chances.
A man-of-the-match performance from the experienced Jackson Thompson, initially taking four key Sandford wickets for 44 runs, really halted their ability to push the run rate on further.
Tight support bowling from skipper Jason Hall, Matt Skeemer and Matt Butterworth helped to keep the brakes on.
In reply, another constructive partnership of 78 between Cornwood openers Thompson and Ben Warren helped to get Cornwood on their way, with Thompson batting positively yet sensibly throughout,.
He secured his first competitive ton for Cornwood, finishing unbeaten on 114, which steered the Corns to a convincing seven-wicket victory with almost 13 overs to spare.
He was also well supported by both Mark Horwell and Skeemer during the chase.
Skipper Hall was content with a great all-round team performance and thrilled for the man known as JT.
He said: 'He demonstrated perfectly all the qualities he brings to the club, with an innings of determination and class.
'He has become an integral part of not just the team, but the club as a whole.'
Another vital 19 points secured which has helped to maintain the nine-point gap on second-placed Brixham, who are also on a good run of form and breathing down the Corns' necks. Team morale is high at the moment, there is a depth in selection that keeps the pressure on players to perform at the very top of their game.
Second XI player Ryan Rickard hit a fine century in their victory at Sandford and with other key players coming back from injury, there are likely to be some nice selection headaches for the coaches in the coming week.