Heathcoat make no mistake chasing low total to beat Exeter

Malcolm Cloete - two wickets for Heathcoat in the win over Exeter

PREMIER leaders Heathcoat defeated Exeter by five-wickets in a low-scoring affair at Knightshayes.

Exeter were bowled out for 124 in the 44th of their 50-over allocation, which Heathcoat knocked off with more than 24 overs in hand.

Heathcoat had Exeter reeling at 16 for three before Ben Green (37) and Josh Arendse (29) added 49 for the fourth wicket.

Once Green fell to Jackson Thompson only Ed Middleton (24) offered much resistance as wickets fell regularly.

Jack Menheneott spun his way to three for 18 and there were two each for Malcolm Cloete and Thompson.

Chasing low totals can be a tricky business at times, but Exeter’s early pleasure at removing Rob Holman cheaply soon evaporated.

Peter Randerson (32) and Jack Dart (16) whittled away at the deficit, which left Thompson (27) to take Heathcoat within sight of victory.

Heathcoat remain top and have a six-point lead over second-placed Paignton, who routed defending champions Sidmouth by nine wickets.