Elstone (pictured) leads Sidmouth run-spree with 142 | 'Sammy's innings was, once again, superb' – Luke Bess

SIDMOUTH rediscovered their winning touch with a whopping 194-run win over Heathcoat on the Fortfield.

It was a welcome result for Sidmouth skipper Luke Bess after two defeats on the reel. He said: “It was nice to get back to winnings ways.”

Sidmouth hurtled along to 246 for two with 10 overs to go, and were on 330 for six when time ran out.

Dylan Rawal made 60 of the first 108 runs on the board with Devon batter Sam Elstone at the other end.

Although Charlie Gaywood came and went cheaply, Elstone found a long-term running mate in Ethan Cunningham in an 18-over stand worth 151.

By the time Elstone was bowled by Joe Hancock in the last over, he was on 142 and the final total just a handful of runs ahead.

Cunningham – out for 92 – was among the three wickets claimed by Heathcoat’s Tom Hatton.

“Dylan got us off to a great start with Sammy whose innings was, once again, superb,” said Bess. “Ethan was then able to capitalise on that with some pretty destructive hitting.”

Malcolm Cloete (0-48) was the lone Heathcoat bowler to operate at less than five runs an over.

Heathcoat ran into early difficulties against Sidmouth’s Tom Hodgson (3-11). At 50 for six with opener Hatton out for 25 the writing was on the wall.

Sammy Broomhead (33) and Matt Hodson (19) put up some resistance, but Will Murray wrapped it up for Sidmouth with a four-for-35 cull of the lower order.

“With the ball we started well, picked up early wickets and never let them into the game,” said Bess.

That’s three defeats in a row for winless Heathcoat, who are co-tenants in the basement with North Devon.

Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings, the Heathcoat captain, said the team knows what needs correcting. The problem is doing it.

“One thing we spoke about in the week was our attitude in the field, staying in the fight and keeping our energy up for the duration,” said Penberthy-Hutchings. “We were very good in that regard and couldn't have asked more from the boys.

“Execution and lack of plans with the ball let us down – and then the same issues with the bat.

“Hats off to Sidmouth: they were much better than us all day. Sam Elstone gave us nothing and showed how classy he is. Ethan Cunningham was relentless too. Fair play to them.”

Heathcoat have back-to-back home games coming up to turn things round, starting with Exmouth this Saturday.