JACKSON Thompson cracked a century as Heathcoat put their defeat by Exeter in the past with a thumping eight-wicket win over Torquay.
Christian Cabburn marked his promotion to the 1st XI with a five-wicket haul as Heathcoat bowled out Torquay for 214 with more than eight of their 50 overs to go.
Torquay were no doubt planning a warm reception for ex-team-mate Reid Mawdsley after he left them at the end of last season for pastures new at Heathcoat.
But it was Mawdsley who have his old pals a roasting, finishing off what Thompson started with an unbeaten 79 to see Heathcoat over the line with nearly 20 overs in hand.
Victory keeps Heathcoat fourth in the table, jostling for position with Paignton and Exmouth behind unbeaten leaders Bovey Tracey.
Torquay haven’t won since beating Bradninch on the first day of the season and share bottom place with Sidmouth.
Winning captain Peter Randerson said: “It was an excellent, all-round performance – that is what we are all about.
“Christian bowled beautifully and deserved his five wickets.
“Jackson and Reid were faultless - the perfect partnership.
“Torquay had plenty to say to Reid, but he battled hard and answered them with runs.
“We are buzzing for Exmouth this Saturday and I have an unchanged side going in to it.”
Torquay started smartly – Mitch Pugh (41) and Ben Francis posting 57 – but a double strike by Cabburn (5-32) and a wicket for Jamie Drew turned 57 for one into 77 for three.
George Allen (50) and Tom Drake (74) seemed on top of the bowling and their stand of 77 for the fourth wicket gave Heathcoat some nerves.
Allen reached 50 and got out almost immediately to Jack Menheneott, who had him caught behind.
There as no respite for Heathcoat for a while as Drake and Joe Thompson took the score to 200 in a stand of 46.
Thompson’s departure sparked a Torquay collapse that saw their last six wickets fall for 14 runs in little more than five overs.
Cabburn had three, James Onley-Gregson had a couple and Sam Smith ran-out Nick Watkin,
Heathcoat opener Toby Lochead had all eight runs on the board when Kazi Szymanski (2-66) snared him lbw.
By the time Szymanski struck again, Thompson and Mawdsley had taken the total to 176.
Thompson hit 15 fours and three sixes in an 85-ball knock of 110.
Mawdsley, 14 fours in his 79, jogged over the line with Smith (6no).
