Sandyford hit heights to keep up their fine start to the campaign

SANDYFORD cemented their spot in second place in NSSCL Division Two with a comfortable home victory over Newcastle & Hartshill seconds.

- Chris Travers

Rory Smith’s half-century set Sandyford on their way to 227 all out in Saturday's meeting.

Smith’s 64 featured five fours and one six, with Matthew Taylor (39), Kalhara Senarathne (33), Craig Leese (30no) and Ben Turnock (27) playing their part.

Zak Twist was the pick of the Castle attack, taking 5-37, with Jack Wilson helping himself to a couple of scalps.

In reply, Wilson made 22 and Ethan Gater chipped in with 16, but Newcastle & Hartshill were bundled out for 70.

Taylor grabbed 4-20 for the home side and Senarathne weighed in with 3-7.

It’s now 10 wins on the trot for Crewe as they saw off the challenge of Little Stoke.

Rory Kalnins’ 4-19 was backed up by Callum Bacon's 3-44 and a couple of wickets for Faisal Mahmood as Little Stoke were dismissed for 108.

Todd Talbot (24) top-scored for the visitors, with Andy Leese adding 21 and Seth Jones and James Ecclestone both making 15.