PLYMOUTH took an important step away from the wrong end of the Premier Division table by inflicting a five-wicket defeat on fellow strugglers Heathcoat.

The city side were bottom of the table on Saturday morning with Heathcoat directly above them.

The roles have been reversed by Plymouth’s win, although there remains plenty to do to get out of relegation danger completely.

Plymouth are still in the bottom two and need to find 17 points in the first instance to get past North Devon and out of danger.

As Heathcoat play North Devon  this Saturday the pressure is on Plymouth to win at hit-and-miss Exeter to continue on the upward path.

Heathcoat were all out for 132 in the 36th of their 50 overs – opener Jackson Thompson top scoring on 45.

Having been 87 for one when Ben Stein (3-22) dispatched Thompson, Heathcoat lost their way.

Pete Randerson (20) had already gone from then on only Jack Dart (20) lingered long

Dave Burke (3-24) helped Stein reduce Heathcoat to 113 for six, the Faizan Riaz (3-34) flushed out the lower order.

Plymouth’s chase wasn’t without an anxious moment or two, notably when 76 for two became 79 for four as Riaz (19) and Jon Varcoe (23) departed. James Toms (21) had been gone a while by then.

Hal Kerton batted through for an undefeated 27 to see Plymouth over the hump.

Victorious skipper Sam Stein said: “Very happy to get that win on the board.

“Heathcoat started off really well but we bowled well throughout the innings.

“Dave Burke, brother Ben and Fazian took the bulk of the poles.

“I fet for Dan Goodey (0-35), who bowled well again but has been very unlucky this year.

“Then everyone chipped in with the bat. We just need to keep going now.”