Devon Cricket Board - Heathcoat learn lessons in County Ground defeat

Heathcoat learn lessons in County Ground defeat

HEATHCOAT skipper Sam Smith said there were lessons to be learned from the 80-run defeat at Exeter.
Heathcoat were on top of the table after the first round of fixtures following a win over defending champions Exmouth.
The boot was on the other foot at the County Ground though as Exeter sped to 201 for four in 33 overs – Andrew Cutis top scoring on 85 –then had Heathcoat an unimpressive 121 for eight when their overs ran out.
Without a brisk 41 not out down the order from Ben Pitkin, Heathcoat would have struggled to reach three figures.
Smith had a day to forget himself – in and out inside four balls without marking the book.
In isolation that wouldn’t have been a problem, but too many batters in the top half missed out too.
“We lacked intent and didn't rotate the strike well and were never up on the run rate,” said Smith.
We have a lower order who will finish games for us this year with some clean big hitters but we never gave them a chance.
“As skipper I am hoping to lead by example next week and put in my first personal performance as so far I have been poor.”
Smith felt Heathcoat could have done a more to keep Exeter’s total down but let their standards slip in the field.
“We started economically with the ball but didn't pose a wicket-taking threat and allowed Curtis and Will Steward (46) to settle,” said Smith.
“Exeter got away from us on the middle overs and given the shortened format had lots of poles in hand to tee off last ten.
“The main contrast from Exmouth was our fielding. It was disappointing to see cheap singles and half chances not taken.
“That said the wicket was hard and flat so we had a sniff at half time.
“Move on, lessons learned and look forward to this Saturday and Cornwood.”
Exeter got to 154 for two with five overs to go with Curtis, Steward and Sean Morris, who made 49 off 48 balls, all in the runs.
Curtis cut lose in the last five overs, going after Qasim Adams in a big way.
Adams (3-53) went for 27 in his final three overs, as Exeter added 47 in five overs for the loss of Miles Lenygon.
Toby Lochead stoppered up one end for Heathcoat – he made 22 off 59 balls – but only Adams (19) reached double figures in a 20-over total of 63 for five.
Joe Barrs (2-8), Merrick Steward (2-21) and Adam Gribble (2-18) gave Heathcoat little or nothing to hit.
Pitkin’s run-a-ball 41 livened affairs, but came too late to change the game or take Heathcoat into bonus-point territory.
Skipper Miles Lenygon said the manner of Exeter’s victory suggested they were learning how to perform at the top level in 50-over cricket.
“I hope we are learning that the intensity and controlled aggression we displayed in our innings is how we should play when it's 50 overs a side,” said Lenygon.
“The boys all bowled well, Joe Barrs and Merrick steward especially.
“As a group we know there are areas we have to improve on, but considering the stop-start type of game it was a very complete performance from us.”

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