HEATHCOAT got over their defeat by Paignton in the best possible manner by handing out a nine-wicket hiding to North Devon.

Malcolm Cloete (2-23) and Christian Cabburn (2-30) took out North Devon’s top order then Jack Menhenott (3-13) and skipper Jackson Thompson (2-18) spun through most of the rest as North Devon were dismissed for 121.

Opener Dan Bowser made a patient 30, but no one else made more than Jack Popham (16). After he got out to Menheneott the last four wickets went for 19 runs.

Opening batsman Rob Holman was pressed into service to keep wicket in the absence of the holidaying Pete Randerson.

Holman has not pulled the gloves on regularly for more than a decade since he was the regular keeper for Devon U21s. But the skills soon came back as he claimed four catches and two stumpings.

Knocking off the runs was a formality for Heathcoat, who were home and dry with 20 overs to spare.

Opener Todd Barrett was the only casualty on the chase after notching 36 with Holman.

Holman was still there at the end, unbeaten on 70 with Jack Dart  (19no) for company.

Victory moved Heathcoat up from fourth to third in the latest table, 10 points behind Sidmouth, who host them this Saturday.

After the size and manner of the loss to Paignton, skipper Thompson wanted a reaction and largely got what he wanted.

“As I mentioned early in the season, we need to continue focussing on our skills and express them where it matters and results will take care of themselves regardless of the opposition,” said Thompson.

“We are back on course and in some style after last week.

“We bowled first and used our skills to full effect.

“Malcolm Cloete was sometimes unplayable and was absolute class act with the ball. The other bowlers supported well.  

“The challenge was to keep our discipline with line and length.  We bowled hardly any loose balls and this ensured a small chase.

“Rob Holman again was imperious in the chase and showed all his experience and guile.”

Tom Popham, the North Devon skipper, was realistic in his assessment of what went wrong and where the season is going.

“We didn’t get enough runs,” said Popham.

“Heathcoat bowled well early on and conditions suited their bowling attack.

“A few loose shots on our part didn’t help but credit to Heathcoat’s bowlers.

“Regardless of the score I’m backing our side to get the scores on the board. “Positives are that we again bowled really well, without luck and we didn’t have much room for error with our total.”