By OLLIE SMITH

DESPITE being out of the promotion race, Heathcoat 3rd XI still took the chance to inflict a heavy defeat over Sandford’s 3rd XI.

Heathcoat won the toss and chose to bat, Jonny Chilcott and captain Richard Pugsley’s (22) partnership reached 55 before the latter was dismissed by Glyn Baker.

Chilcott was involved in stands worth 73 with Will Edwards (44) and 71 with Fergus Anderson (43) before he was fourth out for 87 with the score on 222.

Rob Holman, formerly of Devon CCC only mustered 14 before he was trapped in front by Will Matten, he did have the privilege of batting with son, Jack, however.

Sam Reed’s 41 was the final chapter of the Heathcoat innings, he helped to see out the overs before he was out on the final ball, helping his side to 302 for eight.

Sandford shared the wickets around, four different bowlers took one, with the best being Andy Theedom’s three for 51. There was two each for Colin Bick (two for 68) and Matten (two for 37)

In the run chase, Sandford only managed 27 runs on the board before Matt Harrison removed both openers, Alex Stevens and Zack Blewett were both out for scores in the teens.

Four Sandford batters reached 10, however none more than Jemima Vereker’s 16 as Heathcoat never let their opposition settle.

There were three wickets each for Luke Thomas (three for 20) and Ed Baxter (three for 14), the latter took the game-winning wicket, bowling Glyn Baker for a second ball duck, as Sandford were all out for 82, giving Heathcoat a 220 run victory.

“Jon Chilcott played a controlled innings of 87 allowing others to bat around him. He held the innings together and Will Edwards (44) Fergus Anderson (43) and Sam Reed (41) all benefited from his lead at the other end.” said Heathcoat captain Richard Pugsley

“Having posted 302 from 40 overs, the bowlers took over and started well, we were lucky to have the services of leg spinner Luke Thomas this week.”

Pugsley also highlighted the Heathcoat youth policy which was clear in his team, “We played two under 13’s in this game. Jack Holman kept wicket superbly catching opener Zack Blewett off seamer Matt Harrison. James Heywood also bowled well and finished with 1 for five.”

Despite the margin of victory, Pugsley was well aware that the toss defined the game, “it was another baking hot day, and the toss arguably decided the result before the game began.”

“It was probably the best all round performance of the team this season. Had we fielded first in the heat of the day I suspect the Sandford line-up would have scored more freely and the result would have been far closer.”