HEATHCOAT got off the mark at the second attempt in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division when they defeated Hatherleigh by five wickets.

Hatherleigh, first-day winners over North Devon, were bowled out for 99 with more than eight of their 50 overs to go.

Losing opener Gareth Tidball in the first over to Malcolm Cloete (2-16) did Hatherleigh no favours and Zipo Zondo went soon after to Jamie Drew in a running total of four for two.

Rob Fishleigh (15) and Rob Cockwill (16) rebuilt after a fashion, taking Hatherleigh to 44 for three. Then Hatherleigh’s problems really started.

Four wickets fell for five runs added as Jack Menheneott and Matt Hodson (2-17) got stuck in.

At 49 for seven Hatherleigh’s Charlie Nielson (18) was joined by Shebbear School student Imraan Philander (20) for a stand of 30 that staved off total collapse.

Cloete broke the stand by dismissing Nielson, then Menheneott spun through the rest to finish with figures of five for 17.

Heathcoat made a bright start as Toby Lochead (25) and Reid Mawdsley (15) made a 44-run dent in the deficit.

Then it was Heathcoat’s turn for the lower order to vanish as Dan Fogerty got stuck into them.

Fogerty took four wickets for six runs added as Heathcoat slumped to 50 for four and Hatherleigh were back in the game.

Skipper Pete Randerson (19no) and Dylan Penberthy (19) got Heathcoat off the hook and by the time Fogerty (5-40) dismissed Penberthy it was virtually a foregone conclusion.

Winning skipper Randerson said despite the low-scoring nature of the game, there were no complaints about the pitch.

“We bowled and fielded well then got a few good balls when we batted, which made it harder work for us,” said Randerson.

Heathcoat are away to Sidmouth this Saturday.

Hatherleigh captain Mark Lake said he hoped a valuable lesson had been learned by his side.

“We were very poor with the bat,” said Lake.

“Hopefully it's a one off but we can't bat like that again. 

“We bowled well but trying to defend a hundred is near-on impossible. 

“We were on a decent track so we can't blame that. 

“We move on to Exmouth next and forget this week.”

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