LIAM Lewis hit his first ton for Heathcoat in the eight-wicket win at Sandford that kept the pressure on Premier leaders Exeter.
Lewis only recently returned to Heathcoat from Sidmouth, where he made 10 Premier tons in a six-year stay.
With Jack Dart also among the runs, Heathcoat raced to victory with time to spare over the side propping up the table.
There are only four points between the top three in the Premier – Exeter (147pts), Heathcoat (144) and Sidmouth (143) at the exact halfway stage of the season.
Heathcoat certainly aren’t short of confidence going into part two, if skipper Pete Randerson’s post-match musings are anything to go by.
“We played great cricket and outplayed Sandford,” said Randerson, matter of factly. “Liam and Jack batted excellently.
Faisal Iqbal top scored for Sandford with 71 off 66 ballls in a total of 235 for nine.
Richard Foan (36) and Adrian Small (41) gave Sanford a start, which Iqbal, Neil Bettis (25) and Matt Theedom (23) built on.
Jack Menheneott (4-31) and Jamie Drew (3-50) were Heathcoat’s prime bowlers.
Heathcoat lost opener Jackson Thompson in single figures, but that was good as it got for Sandford.
Lewis and Reid Mawdsley slapped the new ball bowlers of the attack and their stand of 114 made a big dent in the target.
After Mawdsley went for 34, Dart and Lewis banked 125 unbroken to win the game with more than three overs to spare.
Lewis had 19 boundaries in an unbeaten 115. Dart was 65 not out.
Heathcoat are at home to Exmouth this Saturday.
While Heathcoat can contemplate winning a first Premier title, Sandford skipper Foan is only concerned about staying up.
One win in nine starts and a 26-point deficit carried into part two is not hugely encouraging.
Foan remains upbeat despite the pressure on his side, which won’t be any less when they visit Sidmouth this Saturday.
“It has been a difficult start but it is only half way through the season and we are one good win away,” said Foan.
“We haven't adapted well to a higher standard of cricket. The pressure has got us at important times in games but we are an experienced bunch and I would like to think the second half will bring better results and better performances.
“The season won't be based on losing to Heathcoat or Sidmouth, but beating the teams around us.”
