By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SKIPPER Peter Randerson crashed an unbeaten 65 as his Heathcoat side cruised to a five-wicket win over Bovey Tracey to stay top of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division.

Bovey’s  frontline batting had a collective off day as they laboured to 65 for six under pressure from Heathcoat’s attack of Matt Hague, Joe Hancock and Jamie Drew.

Lewis Hammett, the Bovey Tracey captain, dug in to make 33 off 50 balls and with Kriston Yearwood (12) at the other end the total rose to 84 for seven.

Randerson had wheeled spinner Jack Menheneott into the attack by now and he ran through the bottom half of the order en-route to a four-for-18 return as Bovey were skittled for 196.

Heathcoat’s chase was not without its pinch points as Toby Codd (3-30) nipped potential partnerships in the bud.

Randerson kept going and finished it by hitting Will Christophers for four in the 22nd over.

Victory keeps Heathcoat top of the shop by a point from Paignton, who defeated Exeter.

Randerson said the only thing he would change about the game was the way the chase went.

“We bowled the best we have so far this year and made scoring very hard,” said Randerson. 

“Lewis Hammett batted very well but by keeping him tied down and taking wickets at the other end we got a great outcome in the field. 

“Matt Hague (2-23) was like a bowling machine and gave very little away – and Menheneott was as good as always. 

“Batting wise we batted sensibly and showed Bovey how to bat on a reasonable wicket.

“The only black mark on the day was losing five wickets and dropping a point. Otherwise, it was a great result and a good, all-round performance.”

Lewis Hammett, the Bovey Tracey captain, hinted at a difference of opinion with Randerson about the quality of the pitch at Knightshayes.

“An interesting pitch but we didn't bat well enough on it,” said Hammett. "Heathcoat bowled well and consistently on it.

“Par would have been around 180 and 150 would have given us a chance. 

“Hard for our bowlers to try and defend 106 and we didn't quite bowl with enough consistency, unlike the Heathcoat bowlers.

“Randerson batted very well and dominated the chase.”