HEATHCOAT timed their run chase just right to clinch a three-wicket Premier Division win over Sidmouth on the Fortfield.

The target was 272 to win and Heathcoat got there with three balls of the final over unused.

Opening batsman Tom Hatton played a decisive role in the run chase by making 73 and taking the total to 149 for four.

Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings (21) and Jamie Drew (16) were at the other end from Hatton, as was Joe Parkinson. His contribution to a stand of 46 was five!

The chase was continued by Harry Southgate (67) and James Boyle (42), who put on 82. Noah Musikanth, a South African schoolboy on an exchange visit to the UK, and Finn Stoneman were the not-out batters at the end.

Sidmouth’s bowlers leaked runs at times. Luke Beaufort (2-48), Jash Patidar (1-26) and Charlie Gaywood (0-28) were the honourable exceptions.

Beaufort, a former South African under-19 player who is contracted to South Western Districts next season, was Sidmouth’s main run scorer. He flayed seven sixes and 14 fours en route to a 74-ball knock of 126.

Patidar made a more sedate 58 from 82 deliveries and there was 25 opening up from Sam Elstone.

Jesse-James Albanie (4-54) topped the Heathcoat bowling stats. Drew and Hatton picked-up two wickets each.

Penberthy-Hutchings, the Heathcoat captain, said it was a remarkable game to be involved in.

“It is not often you go the full 100 overs and it's always a good feeling winning these types of games,” said the Heathcoat captain.

“We bowled well generally and thought 270 was par. Beaufort played an incredible innings and we could have been chasing 350-plus had he stayed around for a few more overs. Got to feel for him being on the losing side. 

“The way we batted was really pleasing. Tom Hatton went really well up top and got us ahead of the game. 

“Harry Southgate played a really mature innings and deserved to be there at the end to see us home. 

“It was good to have James Boyle back and his partnership with Harry was so important for us. Fifteen-year-old Noah Musikanth putting one on the croquet lawn to win the game was good viewing.”