Heathcoat out of Premier bottom two following win over Plymouth | '“It was good to get the win, but made hard work of it' – skipper Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings

HEATHCOAT defeated Plymouth by three wickets in a low-scoring Premier Division affair at Knightshayes.

Victory moved Heathcoat out of the bottom two at the expense of Sandford, who have replaced them after losing at Exmouth.

The city side recovered from being 11 for three then 33 for five after a going over from Malcolm Cloete (2-37) and James Onley-Gregson (3-22) to reach 176 all out.

Teddy Haffenden made a studious 43 off 98 balls, Matt Whalley chipped in with 25 and Hal Kerton stuck around to make 40 not out.

Jamie Drew (3-37) never allowed the Plymouth batters to settle in the second half of their innings.

Plymouth opener Rahul Randev, who hit 159 seven days previously against Exeter, was dismissed two balls into the first over.

Heathcoat were glad of an ‘I’m in charge’ knock of 74 from opener and captain Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings for keeping their chase on the road.

By the time Ethan Guest (4-43) induced the Heathcoat skipper to proffer him a return catch, the target was 27 to win with four wickets intact. Drew (20no) went the rest of the way.

Penberthy-Hutchings was pleased with the win, but less enamoured by the manner of it.

“It was good to get the win, but made hard work of it,” said Penberthy-Hutchings.

“We let Plymouth get 30 too many on a tricky pitch and then lost wickets at regular intervals in the chase.”

Sam Stein, the Plymouth captain, said being 33 for five meant it was always going to be a tough afternoon.

“We could have taken a little bit more responsibility up top,” said Stein. “With just 20 or so more we could have snuck over the line.

“However, Heathcoat did bowl very well on a very spicy wicket, which wasn't what I was expecting from a hybrid.

“We stuck in there with the ball and fought well.”