By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

HEATHCOAT are right back in the Premier Division title race after thrashing Sidmouth by 107 runs to move-up to second in the table.

Skipper Peter Randerson played down Heathcoat’s chances of retaining the title they won in 2019 and 2021 in the lead-in to the game, claiming the team had ‘forgotten’ about the title were only focussed on ‘enjoying their games’ for the rest of the season.

That was before long-time leaders North Devon lost to Cornwood and Heathcoat cut the leeway between the two sides from 20 to just four points.

You would expect Randerson to have changed his tune now… and you would be absolutely wrong!

“We're not going to even think about the title,” said Randerson.

“I said before the game we're just enjoying playing cricket together and that's exactly what we did.

“To put together a performance so close to perfect was so enjoyable. 

“And for the main contributions to come from our Devon under-18 players Sammy Broomhead and Tom Hatton was so special. I can't wait to see them so it again next week.

“Perhaps the county selection team should be looking…?”

Heathcoat got over a hesitant start – they were 16 for two and 44 for three – to reach 295 for seven in their 50 overs.

Jack Dart (63) and the captain (50) put on 102 for the fourth wicket and the runs kept coming with Broomhead (60 off 44 balls) and Malcolm Cloete (23no) chugging along.

Sidmouth’s Tom Simmons showed why the county management has shown an interest in him in the past with two for 25 off eight overs. Byron Knowles’ two wickets (2-58) were a little more expensive.

Sidmouth were all out for 180 in reply, which was more than they looked like reaching at 70 for six with Luke Bess (23) and Jamie Baird (30) among the casualties.

Henry Armstrong’s 69 not out at fifth wicket down at least took Sidmouth to a respectable total.

Off-spinner Hatton’s five-for-41 haul included four of Sidmouth’s top six. Jamie Drew (2-22) and Jack Menheneott (2-39) were the other main wicket takers.

For Sidmouth skipper Bess there was little to feel satisfied about after the game.,

“We were poor in all three areas,” said Bess.

“On a pretty poor pitch, that was difficult to bat on, Heathcoat scoring 295 was far too many and to have 58 extras in that was criminal. 

“We did have a decision or two go against us, but that's cricket.”

One minor highlight, according Bess, was Armstrong’s innings.

“It was great to see Henry Armstrong get some runs in his final game,” said Bess about the university student on his way home this week.