HEATHCOAT have dropped down to sixth in the Premier Division table after tumbling to a five-wicket defeat by Exmouth.

It was Heathcoat’s second successive defeat in the Premier Division and leaves them 38 points behind leaders Bovey Tracey, who are the only unbeaten side left in the top flight.

Heathcoat were all out for 142 in the 48th of their 50 overs – no one scoring more than opener Jackson Thompson (27).

After an opening stand of 39 between Toby Lochead (16) and Thompson was broken by Dan Pyle, it was downhill all the way for Heathcoat.

Pyle picked off Reid Mawdsley first ball and Heathcoat skipper Pete Randerson three balls later on his way to figures of four for 16.

Sam Smith (23) reisted for an hour and Jamie Drew stuck round for 15 minutes more making 23 not out.

James Onley-Gregson chipped in with 17 at number 10, but Heathcoat didn’t have enough runs and both sides new it.

Alvin Pollard, the former Cullompton footballer, and Billy Rudolph supported Pyle with two wickets each.

Exmouth skipper Richard Baggs moved himself up the order to open and carved out a 91-run partnership with David Lye to kill the game stone dead.

Baggs made 38 and Lye 49 reaching 110 for two by the end of the 20th over.

J J Smit (2-34) and Jack Menheneott (2-25) slowed the chase for a while, but there was no signs of a collapse. Pyle chalked off another 22 runs, leaving Chris Metters and Billy Rudolph to tidy up the loose ends.

Randerson was blunt in his summing up, saying: “We didn't show any application with the bat - and to win games in this division 140 is not enough.

“We aren’t going to beat ourselves up over it and will move on to Paignton at out place this Saturday.”

Exmouth skipper Baggs was glad to get back to winning way after the defeat by Bradinch, although he admitted there was an element of good fortune in the outcome.

“Really pleased to bounce back and win against a very good side, which sets us up to to Sidmouth confident,” said Baggs.

“Our bowlers all bowled consistent length on a difficult pitch which made scoring very difficult.

“Their seamers didn't, which made scoring a lot easier.

“To be fair the wicket improved as game went on, which was funny as both captains misread the pitch and would have batted first.

“A big bit of luck losing the toss.