Posted: Wednesday 8th June 2011
Source: Derrick Foan

Heathcoat’s in-form captain Liam Lewis clubbed a top score of 72 in a grand total of 232 for eight in the drawn game with Bradninch. Along the way there was a stand of exactly 100 for the fifth wicket with Sam Smith (49). Also among the runs were Peter Randerson – caught a point for 32 – and Chris Small with 25.

Lewis looked like making a few more when he flicked a ball angled into his pads at to James Street at mid-wicket. Lewis was one of three victims for Ross Acton (3-65), who shared the bowling honours with the impressive Sean Nowak (3-66)

Bradninch made a solid start through Richard Cater (20) and Tim Piper (24), then seemed to nod off. Losing Brad Cachopa lbw first ball to the frugal Paul Elliott (2-32) didn’t help the Bradninch cause. With the game out of reach – Bradninch needed 150 to win in the last 10 overs – Acton and Nowak put bat to ball.

Ross Acton hit 33 not out and Sean Nowak 47 in an unbroken partnership of 63 that took Bradninch up to 167 for six in reply.

Jack Menheneott with four for 45 was the pick of the Heathcoat bowlers – and could have gone one better had Lewis been switched on. Dropped catches exempted, Lewis was more than happy with the result.

“This was a very good result,” said Lewis. “We batted well and set a score that was always going to be hard to chase on our wicket. Paul Elliot bowled 15 overs on the bounce superbly! Jack Menheneott troubled all their batsmen and deserved a five-wicket haul - and would have had one had I not dropped a dolly. Matt Hague bowled very well and continuously beat the outside edge. On the whole I am pleased to take 14 points against a very talented young side.”