Eight on the trot - that's Sandford's impressive form, and their latest victory, by six wickets at Paignton, sees Jackson Thompson's side now 17 points clear at the top of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Premier Division, writes Dave Thomas.

Considering that their first two matches were a cancellation and a defeat at Bovey Tracey, Sandford's charge over the first half of the season has been as impressive as it's been irresistible.

Wickets were spread around as they restricted lowly Paignton to 215-7 at Queen's Park where, on a rain-affected day that prompted several 'revised target' missions, they had to score 217 in 40 overs.

They did it comfortably with another important contribution, 79no, from Indian all-rounder Dikshanshu Negi, and 40 from opener Ciaran Gray.

Defending champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare (147pts) lead a group of four clubs giving chase, and neither they nor Sidmouth (146), Cornwood (144) nor Tiverton Heathcoat (142) have given up hope yet.

Bradninch squeezed home by three runs at Bovey, who began the season with four wins from five but have now lost five in succession.

Without skipper Gary Chappell, Bradninch recovered from 114-7 to 197, thanks to 22 from No.9 Josh Farley and 27 from Darren Paul.

Andrew Buzza also scored 41 and then took 3-15 (5ovs) as Bovey fell just short of their revised target of 199 in 44 overs.

Longtime leaders Cornwood slipped to their second defeat in as many weeks, Plympton continuing their revival with a three-wicket victory, while the sight of returning Somerset star Dom Bess seemed too much for bottom side North Devon.

Bess hit 79 in Sidmouth's 191-9 (Ben Howe 6-23) and then helped himself to a couple of wickets as North Devon were skittled out for 78.

The game of the day saw a tie at the Maer Ground where, in a 'revised' 30-over contest, Tiverton Heathcoat scored 176-4 (Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings 56, Simon Sobczak 43).

Exmouth fell just one run short of victory, their 176-6 founded on James Horler's 68 and 42 from Fin Marks.

Few people really like the 'revised target' rules, and Kilmington must be rubbing their heads after losing to 'A' Division leaders Exeter by three runs, even though they scored 173-6 in their 39 overs, in reply to Exeter's 168-9.

Sam Read scored 52 for Exeter, but the man of the match was Sam Cuconits, who took 4-51 and then hit 101 for the visitors.  He must have wondered how he finished on the losing side.

Torquay are 15 points behind Exeter after South African opener Ruan Terblanche took his tally for the season to 802 runs with 137 off 109 balls against Tavistock.

Torquay piled up 278-5 (40ovs) and then bowled Tavvy out for 177 (Will Barriball 72).

Third-placed Hatherleigh are only another five points behind, and they're flying after an unbeaten stand of 111 between Ryan Davies (76no) and in-form Jasper Presswell (43no) lifted them to 206-4 in only 34 overs in a 53-run win over Clyst St George.

In 'B' Division, Bideford have cut Bridestowe's lead to 16 points after another Ollie Hannam century (117no) set up a narrow win over improving Ipplepen.

Bideford posted 233-7 and Ipplepen fell only two runs short, their last two batsmen run out by Alex Hannam and Ewan Williams in a frantic finish.

Bridestowe slipped up at Plymstock, where Craig Penberthy's determined 52 didn't find enough support - his side were bowled out for 161 and lost by six wickets.

Braunton are the new leaders of C Division East, and it's taken some doing. Teignmouth & Shaldon finally lost for the first time this season, by three wickets at Alphington & Countess Wear, and Braunton kept up their fine form with a 62-run win over Shobrooke Park.

Uplyme & Lyme Regis are third, 18 points off top spot. Extras (24) were Uplyme's top score in 136 (35overs), but Heathcoat then slid from 51-2 to 112 all out, thanks to Steve Batey 4-32 and Preston Hilless 4-36.