HEATHCOAT captain Peter Randerson returns after two weeks off to find his side in the Premier Division drop slots.

Back-to-back defeats by Paignton and Sidmouth have dropped Heathcoat into the bottom two.

Another way of looking at the stats is Heathcoat have lost four of their last five games on the way down the table.

Randerson would like a response this Saturday, but going to leaders Bovey Tracey won’t be easy, particularly as they want a bounce-back after losing their 100 per cent record to North Devon last time out.

Sidmouth made 213 for seven in 50 overs against Heathcoat – a decent limiting effort by the Heathcoat attack.

Devon captain Josh Bess opened up for Sidmouth and played the anchorman role to make 69 off 97 balls.

By the time Bess was removed by the returning J J Smit, back from playing for Namibia against Scotland, Sidmouth were 146 for five with the last 10 overs coming up.

Bess put on 53 with brother Luke (19) and 65 with his other brother Zak (40).

Nick Gingell plundered three sixes and three fours from 31 balls faced on the way to a quickfire 49 not out.

Smit – one for 27 off seven – was economical with the ball. Jack Menheott had Josh Bess among his four-for24 haul.

Heathcoat lost Reid Mawdsley cheaply – bowled by county captain Bess – then made steady progress to 42 for two when Sam Smith (29) was dispatched by Scott Barlow (2-27).

The game was won and lost during the seven overs when Heathcoat slumped from 75 for two for 88 for seven.

Former Devon spinner Charlie Miles did the damage, whipping out the middle order on his way to four for 48.

Tom Sturgess, a Cornishman who signed for Heathcoat last week, made 25 and Jamie Drew 22 not out as the lower order resisted.

Heathcoat’s race was won though and Sidmouth brought back the seamers to knock over the tail.