HEATHCOAT skipper Peter Randerson was left seething after his side went down by three runs to Exeter in a rain-affected game decided under Duckworth-Lewis rules.
Exeter made 194 for six before rain stopped play in the 48th over – Ben Green opening up with 58 for the city side.
Heathcoat’s target was 186 to win in 35 overs. Despite half-centuries from opener Toby Lochead and Randerson they came up fractionally short.
Premier games are the only ones in the Devon League decided on the Duckworth-Lewis System when rain intervenes. The rest of the competition uses run-rate, which isn’t always satisfactory.
Randerson said had run rate been the criteria for Saturday’s match, Heathcoat would have won by a distance.
“We had to make nine runs less than Exeter in 12 fewer overs, which is ludicrous,” said Randerson.
“Crediton to Exeter for fighting well, but it was the rain that beat us.
“To lose the way we did was very disappointing.”
Miles Lenygon, the Exeter captain, saw things a little differently.
“It was a great result given the circumstances and also that Heathcoat are very strong outfit this season,” said Lenygon.
“We hope to have some more players back this weekend for Sidmouth, which is good news for everyone at the club.”
Exeter were without a clutch of regulars against Heathcoat, including spinner Dom Bess, who was called away by Somerset for the match against Warwickshire.
Exeter had to work for their runs from the start as Heathcoat’s new-ball pairing of J J Smit and Jamie Drew kept it uber tight.
Green (58) and Alex Barrow (21) put on 38 before James Onley-Gregson (3-15) had Barrow caught behind,
A stand of 73 between Green and Tom Lammonby (29) took Exeter beyond a hundred.
Green was third out on 150, having faced 79 balls for is 58, which included six fours and two sixes.
Although skipper Lenygon (42) kept the run coming from his end, the return of Smit limited the rest of the batting to bits and pieces.
Heathcoat opener Jackson Thompson was in and out for a cameo 17 off 22 balls and Reid Mawdsley went in the same over for a duck. Both fell to Green (3-34),
Surviving opener Lochead (50) batted through to the fall of the fourth wicket on 109 when he was run out by Jamie Debenham. Stands of 23 with Jack Dart (10) and 56 with Randerson kept the board ticking over.
Smit went first ball, but Randerson (52) and Justin Williams (16) put on 50 in eight overs to keep Heathcoat chasing.
Green (3-34) returned to take out Randerson and 23 to win from 14 balls proved too many for Drew (15no) and Onley-Gregson.
Heathcoat are away to Torquay this Saturday.
