Kilmington send Heathcoat tumbling to third straight defeat | 'When we batted we never really got going' – Jamie Drew

HEATHCOAT have now gone three games without a win in the A Division after suffering a 61-run defeat at Kilmington.

Kilmington’s lengthy batting line-up was in full view as they overcame setbacks to reach 237 all out in the last of their 50 overs.

Tom Gooding (42), Luke Meek (38) and Sam Loud (48) contributed to a running total of 177 for five.

After a three-wicket hiatus – Artie Evans (4-28) largely responsible – Oli Reed (25) and Matt Reed (22) put on 37 for the ninth wicket. Dan Puglsey (2-32) was Heathcoat’s most economical 10-over bowler.

Heathcoat’s problems started during a period when they dipped from 82 for three – Jeremy Bedford made 38 of them – to 93 for six. Rob Crabb (4-42) in the thick of it for Kilmington.

Skipper Jamie Drew (31) and Finn Stoneman (28) put on 69 for the seventh wicket, but with such a long way to go the odds were stacked against Heathcoat by then.

Once Crabb knocked over Drew the visitors slid from 162 for seven to 176 all out.

Reed, the Kilmington skipper said it was ‘A true team performance’, adding: “Everyone played their part in the win.

“A special mention to Rob Crabb, for his game-changing spell, and to Sam Loud, who made an instant impact with bat and ball. Not bad for someone who hadn't played in two years! 

Looking back at the game, Drew said there were numerous places where it went wrong for Heathcoat.

“We probably let Kilmington get 30 too many,” said Drew. “Some poor fielding and more dropped catches contributed to this.

“We didn’t bowl well enough on a pitch that offered plenty for the bowlers.

“Young Artie Evans did bowl really well for his four wickets.

“When we batted we never really got going. A few contributions but nothing substantial enough to get us close. 

“Once again hoping for more this week against Thorverton.”