HEATHCOAT’S title-winning season in the Blights North Devon League has been a success on a number of fronts, according to skipper Chris Salter.

Just one defeat in 12 games, a four-wicket defeat by Bridestowe & Belstone in early August, was the only blot in the scorebook on the way to Heathcoat's first league title since 2009.

Although there were stand-out performances – which included two centuries for Harry Everett and Richard Pugsley, as well as five-wicket hauls for the captain and Noah Musikanth ­– Salter said there was much more going on.

Consistency of selection helped immensely, as did a genuine will-to-win, which was clear to see in victories over Bridestowe & Belstone first time round and Hatherleigh.

And an undeniable bonus going forward was the development of the youngsters who played a significant part in winning the title. From Salter’s viewpoint all the different elements contributed to a ‘thoroughly enjoyable and successful season’.

“We managed to field a broadly similar team each week, which focused on developing younger players and really allowed us to build team spirit and confidence,” said Salter.

“It was great to see young bowlers, Matt and Dan Harrison continue to develop year on year, and I am really pleased to see how well Henry Cook has performed in his first season of North Devon League cricket.”

Salter said the season was ‘peppered with brilliant individual performances’ starting with Everett’s unbeaten century in the win over Nomansland back in April. In four games spread across the season, he made 101, 102, 75 and four.

“Harry Everett was brilliant for us at the top of the order, as was Richard Pugsley,” said Salter.

“We managed to build innings with the bat in almost every game and this was especially boosted by the addition of Jeremy Bedford during the season. 

“Jeremy was our leading run scorer (376 @ 75.20) and played many fantastic innings, most notably his 91 against Bridestowe & Belstone at home, in what turned out to be a vital match in our season.”

Salter pointed to Heathcoat junior Tom Holley, who made 150 against Bideford, and Devon under-18 all-rounder Musikanth (5-15 against Bideford) as other notable performers.

Richard Pugsley, who only missed one game all season, was second behind Bedford in the aggregates and averages with 336 @ 67.20.

Three bowlers – Musikanth, Dan Harrison, James Pugsley and Dan Pugsley – acquired nine wickets each. Salter and Matt Harrison were one behind on eight.

The will-to-win first surfaced in a three-run win over Bridestowe & Belstone, which proved a turning point in the season.

“The team really pulled together that day with excellent batting, backed up in the field with some stellar catching, and Matt Boundy holding his nerve to bowl the final over,” said Salter.

“To win as we did really gave us confidence to press on and win the league.”

The title run in took Salter & Co to Hatherleigh, where defeat seemed on the cards when Heathcoat were languishing at 136 for nine with more than 13 overs to go. This time it was the captain’s turn to play a decisive role.

“Our win at Hatherleigh really showed off our team spirit,” said Salter. 

“I went in at number 11 with the score 136 for nine, which was nowhere near enough to secure the victory.

“Dan Pugsley and myself added 72, which turned out to be match-winning. James Pugsley (4-39) picked up four wickets that helped keeo the winning run going.”