JOE Hancock’s work at the Darren Lehamm Academy produced dividends for Heathcoat in their eight-wicket win over Taunton St Andrews, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

During a gap year after leaving Blundell’s School in Tiverton last summer, Hancock enrolled at the academy in Adelaide during the UK winter.

What Hancock learned during the week at the academy,  and at weekends playing in the South Australia grade competition for Adelaide University, was put into practice against the Saints.

Hancock bagged six wickets for 29 runs as Heathcoat skittled St Andrews for 131 in the 35th of the 45 overs available.

Among Hancock’s victims were opener James Regan – a former Somerset staffman – current Somerset Academy scholar James Rew and Louis Kraucamp, who played provincial cricket in South Africa before moving to this country.

Peter Randerson the Heathcoat captain, said Hancock’s bowling was the highlight of a ‘nice’ team performance.

“Joe was superb,” said Randerson. “He got out some very highly regarded players with proper dismissals.”

Stephen Tinnon made a top score of 43 for the Saints, who were lucky to reach 131 having been under pressure at 86 for seven against Hancock and Rob Pryke (3-19).

Medium-pace bowler Pryke formerly played for WEPL side Taunton Deane prior to moving into the Mid-Devon area.

Justin Burke (16) and James Hayman (25) managed to wring out 44 runs for the last three wickets.

Opener Rob Holman batted through for an unbeaten 52 as Heathcoat made relatively sedate progress towards the target after Randerson had been and gone for 25 of the first 31 on the board.

Hayman (8-3-18-0) kept the batters honest from one end, but bits and pieces from Dylan Penberthy (17) and Simon Sobczak (15) ensured it was mission accomplished with 13 overs to spare.

The serious stuff starts for Heathcoat this Sunday when they host Cornwood and Budleigh Salterton in Pool Three of the Devon T20 competition, which has a new sponsor for 2021 in Sunbelt Rentals.