HEATHCOAT got Operation Rubber Ball under way, their attempt to bounce straight back into the Premier Division, with a 116-run win over Kilmington.

Half-centuries from Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings (56) and Dan Butler (57) got Heathcoat up and running. 

There was a middle-order slow-down from 138 for three to 188 for eight, which was relieved by Archie Goodrick (20) and Dan Pugsley (25no) hoisting the final total to 254 all out.

Wickets were shared around two each between Kilmington bowlers Luke Meek, Oli Reed, Matt Pile and the ever-economical Rob Crabb.

Kilmington opener Tom Gooding (35) was the only top-six batter to get past 20 in a sluggish start. Pugsley (3-27) had plenty to do with that.

Reed’s 35 delayed the inevitable for a while. Once he was caught and bowled by Tom Hatton the villagers slid to 138 all out.

It was just the start new skipper Jamie Drew had been hoping for.

Said Drew: “Dylan Penberthy and Dan Butler batted brilliantly and were both nice and positive throughout their innings. 

“A big shout out to Archie Goodrick and Dan Pugsley for putting on 44 for the 10th wicket and getting us to 250. That showed real quality within the lower order. 

“All of the bowlers were really good and everyone played their part. Positive signs for Thorverton this Saturday.”

Reed, the Kilmington skipper, had no issues working out where the game went wrong.

“Giving them 50 too many when we could've bowled them out for 200,” said Reed.

“We did have six first-team players out, so it was always going to be difficult.

“Looking to bounce back this Saturday with a full squad again.”