LIAM Lewis’s return to Heathcoat proved to be a low-key affair as the team lost by 53 runs to Bovey Tracey.

Lewis, a former Heathcoat captain, left Knightshayes at the end of the 2011 season for regular Premier Division cricket with Sidmouth. 

Six full seasons at Sidmouth produced more than 2,800 Premier Division runs, three league titles, three county cups and a regular place in the Devon county side.7

Teaching duties at Blundell’s School in Tiverton have limited Lewis’s ability to play league cricket for the past three summers – and made it difficult for him to make midweek training at Sidmouth.

A move back to Knightshayes made sense for Lewis, but there was to be no winning return.

Bovey, who lost the toss and were asked to bat, had Minhaj Jalill to thank for getting them to 204 for nine in their 50 overs. Lewis had a trundle with the old ball and picked up three wickets. Including the centurion.

Heathcoat were dismissed for 151 in reply with Lewis third man out for 15.

Heathcoat, who were third going into round five, have dropped down the table to fourth and trail leaders Exeter by 23 runs.

Peter Randerson, the Heathcoat captain, didn’t have much to say after the game.

“I probably made the wrong decision at the toss, but was disappointed with our efforts,” said Randerson.

“We move on to next week and Plymouth away.”

Josh Mailling made 38 of the first 71 runs on Bovey’s board before he became the first of four victims for Heathcoat spinner Jack Menheneott (4-21).

Jalill was eighth out midway through the final over.  He and Ashley Causey (31) put on 67 for the seventh wicket.

Heathcoat had it all to do after sliding to 64 for six before halfway – Hugo Whitlock (3-40) and Jalill (2-16) doing much of the damage.

Malcolm Cloete (44) and Matt Hodson (15) saved something from the wreckage by earning two batting bonus points getting the score up to 151 all out.

After leading the side to a second straight win, Bovey captain Toby Codd said: 

It was a great result against a strong side.

“Minhaj Jalill played a great innings on a used wicket that was only getting more difficult to bat on. His partnership with Ash Causey was vital in getting us to an above par score.

“Then all the bowlers bowled to their fields and scoring was difficult.

“Hopefully can keep this form going and climb the table.”

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