NDL Division 2 v. Heathcoat (a)

North Devon League Division 2

Heathcoat v. Witheridge Incorrigibles

Heathcoat 307-6 (C Small 100, G Clatworthy 50, R Hilton 4-54), beat
Incorrigibles 146 all out (R Bowden 54, J Parr 52, J Drew 4-6) by 161 runs

At change of innings at Knightshayes, news began to filter through that Les Rendall had made an unbeaten hundred at Nomansland against The Men Of Rackenford. He later went on to pick up five wickets in the visitor's innings.

With the spectre of Les's hundred hanging ominously over an under-pressure batting line-up, only half-centuries from Jason Parr and Ryan Bowden saved Incorrigibles from complete embarrassment. Jason was fluent throughout his innings, and particularly dismissive of Martyn Williams left-arm spin, using his feet well to play a succession of lofted drives in the arc from long-on to extra cover. Ryan was not as fluent as usual, but still saw off the main threat posed by quicks Matt Hague and Chris Small, whilst compiling 54 from number four in the order. After Jason was bowled leaving an inswinger from Small, the rest of the order fell away quickly. Russell Hilton edged to slip for his second duck in three NDL innings, and the only other score into double-figures was from the helmetless Dave Gooding, who smashed three fours with such power that if he was black you could be forgiven for thinking it was Viv Richards out there batting.

Earlier, Russell Hilton bowled through the pain barrier to collect four wickets and keep Heathcoat in check just when they appeared to be heading towards a total in excess of 15,000. Ed Strong opened well with the new ball along with Parr who, with a more attacking field, may have picked up a wicket or two in his first spell. Most of the Heathcoat batsmen got in, with overseas player Small making a ton before being removed next ball by Hilton. Despite a relatively decent fielding display, including yet another superb catch from Ed Reader, diving forwards and across to pouch Guy Bucknell, who snicked off against a slower ball from Russ, and Ryan Bowden bowling his offbreaks with good pace and bounce, Heathcoat were able to ammass 307. In the end this was just out of reach for the Witheridge side, who fell an agonising 161 runs short of victory.

It was also noted that Ed Pincombe also said something funny at some point.

Scorecard