HEATHCOAT are champions of the Blights Motors North Devon League… but only just!
The defending title holders travelled to Sandford needing a minimum of seven points, and managed 10, in defeat to their hosts in a high-scoring affair. It was a case of losing the battle, but winning the war!
Sandford racked up an impressive 340 for six in their 40 overs. Opener Jon James set the tone, hitting 13 fours in his 55. Once he was out, Tom Gidney smashed 103 off 67 balls. Gidney found support from Andrew Fry, who contributed 71 not out. Archie Osborne hit a quickfire 36 at the end.
Heathcoat captain Chris Salter tried eight bowlers in an attempt to stem the flow. Tom Hatton (3-52) was the most successful.
The chase started sedately for Heathcoat, who reached 163 for four after 23 overs, thanks to 34 from Jack McManus and plenty of wides.
Tom Holley and Jeremy Bedford got together and they shared a 139-run partnership, to get the points required. Holley was dismissed for 99, Bedford contributed 73, both were victims of James Morgan, who ended up with four for 42.
North Devon's young guns beat Bridestowe & Belstone by 36 runs after totting up 215 for seven.
Freddie Bettiss top scored with 66, Richard Clarke hit 50, and Nav Vanderbona opened with a rapid 48. Home skipper Richard Drake tried 10 bowlers, none better than Andy King who took two for 24
Bridestowe & Belstone were all out in the 35th over for 179. Toby Gostling top scored with 48, Harry Bushin and Will Bancroft both chipped in with 20. All six of North Devon’s young bowlers used by Steve Moore took a wicket. Nik Ollis took three for 26, and there were a couple each for Archie Jobbins, and Vanderbona.
It was a poignant day at Westward Ho! as Victoria Park played their final game. From next year they will continue as Bideford 2nd XI in the NDL.
Nomansland were the visitors, and it was Victoria Park who won by two wickets.
The visitors batted first and were all out for 140 in 28 and a half overs. Elliot Butterfield top scored with 61, Breck Fearnley got 23 and there was 20 from Jacob Cole.
Rob Guppy took the bowling plaudits for Victoria Park with four for 28. Dave Branch had a couple.
Viccy Park lost wickets regularly throughout their chase. Opener Dave Stanton top scored with 39, Ian Brown was the only other batter to break 20, as all batters struggled against the Nomansland bowling.
When Victoria Park were 120 for eight, the match was in the balance. Mark Slade and Will Anderson held there nerve, to see the Park home with two wickets in hand and nine overs to go. Harry Cracknell (4-31) had Nomansland’s best figures.
Newton Tracey and Nomansland meet on the Lawn on September 19 in what looks like the Division Two title decider.
Barnstaple & Pilton won by seven wickets at Exford.
Exford scored a 40-over total of 155 for five. Captain Will Lock top scored with 47 not out, opener Sam Cobb hit 39.
Febin Francis and Matt Newton had two wickets each for B&P.
Joshua Smith dismissed the first three B&P batters to leave the visitors struggling at 30 for three in the 11th over. And when Jamie Sutton got injured, things looked bleak for the visitors.
Newton hit a quickfire 69 in a hundred partnership with step brother Dom Chugg to seal victory.
