Heathcoat keep up the pressure on the leaders

HEATHCOAT rekindled their Division One title hopes with a 54-run win over Morebath at Knightshayes on Sunday.

The West Somerset side are finding life tough in the top flight and fell to their seventh defeat in 10 outings this term.

Heathcoat made 224 all out batting first, led by Sam Smith (50), Henry Frankpitt (44) and Toby Lett (30).

Paul Robins took five for 22 for Morebath, who were then bowled out for 170 with only Lee Hooper (30) among the runs. Dillon Penberthy (3-34) and Ned Menheneott (2-8) claimed wickets.

North Devon are still in the driving seat after their win at home to Filleigh, but defending champions Heathcoat are still very much in the race.

Sandford II became only the second team to beat Division Three leaders Weare Giffard at the weekend — and with it they strengthened their hold on a promotion berth.

Weare Giffard were bundled out for 99, a total passed with a couple of wickets to spare by the Creedy Park outfit.

Australian Ross Knoll cracked a superb unbeaten 130 to lead Shobrooke Park to a five-wicket win at Westleigh.

After the hosts were bowled out for 220, Knoll strutted his stuff to great effect.

Division Four leaders Newton Tracey II proved too powerful for an under-strength Halberton & Sampford Peverell.

The Mid Devon side were forced to split their resources as they also had to field a side in the Mid Devon Twenty20 finals day at Kensham Park, Bradninch.

The weakened side which turned out at Sampford Peverell was bowled out for 109 by Newton Tracey, who had earlier struck a powerful 260. Heathcoat II continue to lead the way in Division Five after they won by 151 runs at Bishop Nympton, where they bowled the hosts out for 83 after posting a healthy 234 for five.

James Davis (70), Dan Copp (36) and Jim Cridland (35) got the runs and then Chris Salter took four for 28 and Nick Goulty took two wickets as Heathcoat won at a canter.

Nomansland were nine-wicket winners at home to Barnstaple & Pilton III.

Barum were bowled out for 153 as Ryan Bowden (4-29), Dave Gooding (3-30) and Jack McGovern (2-10) claimed wickets.

Gordon McGovern then cracked an unbeaten 78 and Gary Say an unbeaten 55 — the pair putting on 153 for the unbroken second wicket — as the Witheridge-based side strolled to victory.

Mike Foan had a good afternoon with bat and ball, but it wasn't enough to lead Cheriton Fitzpaine to victory.

The Division Five bottom side slipped to an 11th defeat in 12 games this season, beaten by 139 runs by Petrockstowe.

Foan (2-49) and Andrew Hartley (3-46) were the main wicket-takers as the visitors struck 242 for nine.

Foan then top scored with 28 as only he and Jeremy Tricks (18) made any impression with the bat, the final Cherries wicket falling on 103.