HEATHCOAT are up to fourth in the Premier Division table thanks to a seven-wicket win over visiting Plymouth.

Plymouth have won the last three league meetings between the clubs, a bogey Heathcoat skipper Brad Barnes was keen to bury.

The city side’s total of 187 for nine was never going to be enough to extend that winning run and it took the home side just 35.3 overs to wipe it off.

Anthony Atkinson, who took a ton off North Devon seven days earlier, was first out for eight to Jamie Drew.

James Toms (23) and Jake Luffman (29) made slow progress against Brad Barnes (2-14) and Jack Menheneott (2-20) towards a running tally of 70 for three.

Losing three wickets for nine runs left Plymouth in the last 20 overs with an unimpressive 78 for six on the board.

Veteran Steve Luffman with 52 off 66 balls and Jack Hale (30) rescued the situation with a stand of 59 before Sam Smith (3-28) had Hale caught behind.

Luffman kept going with Dan Goodey (23no) as 45 more went up for the ninth wicket.

Luffman was dismissed with three balls to go having hit five fours and a six in his 66-ball stay.

Heathcoat seemed to find batting far easier as openers Barnes (40) and Dylan Penberthy (64) clattered along to 60 without loss in the 13th over.

Barnes went first and Pete Randerson wasn’t far behind as 60 for none became 70 for two.

A stand of 107 between Penberthy and Will Thompson took Heathcoat within 11 runs of victory.

Plymouth skipper Hamish Gardiner tried seven bowlers looking for breakthroughs, but they were almost non-existent.

By the time Thompson went Kerton it was game over. Penberthy was 64 not out when the finishing line was crossed.

That’s four successive wins now for Heathcoat, and a pat on the back from skipper Brad Barnes.

“It was a well rounded performance and each member of the team executed their role perfectly,” said Barnes.

“Hopefully this momentum puts us in good shape for the away trip to Bovey.”

Acting Plymouth skipper Gardiner, still filling in for the injured Sam Stein, said little went right for Plymouth from start to finish.

“It was a below-par performance all round from us,” said Gardiner.

“We struggled to develop partnerships with the bat, a few made starts but were unable to convert them.

“Steve Luffman, Jack Hale and Dan Goodey did a great job to set us a defendable total.

“But to defend 187 we had to be on the money from ball one and take all of our chances.

“We didn't hit consistent areas and allowed Heathcoat off to a brisk reply.

“It was one of those day where the ball found the gaps and eluded our fielders.

“It was a difficult and frustrating day, but we will have to move on quickly as there is still plenty of cricket left to play.”