Devon Cricket Board - Heathcoat need to break losing habit says Lochead

Heathcoat need to break losing habit says Lochead

HEATHCOAT need to break their losing habit in a hurry if they are going to avoid a relegation struggle this season.
Saturday’s 71-run reversal by Bovey Tracey was the third in a row for Heathcoat and drops them down to fourth from bottom – seven points clear of the drop zone.
Heathcoat were second in the table two games into the season – then they lost to early leaders Torquay.
Toby Lochead, the Heathcoat vice-captain, said it had gone downhill since losing to Torquay.
“Losing can become habit and it is one we need to break,” said Lochead.
“We have got Sidmouth this Saturday and we need to bounce back then.”
Bovey were held to 231 for eight having seemed on course for 30-plus at one stage.
Heathcoat lost wickets steadily from the first few overs and were all out for 160
“We bowled poorly at first, clawed our way back in the later overs, the struggled when we batted,” said Lochead.
Opener Malcolm Lake led the way for Bovey with 103 as they totalled 232 for eight.
Lake, who hit three sixes and 13 fours, faced 95 balls reaching his ton.
Along the way there were stands of 68 with Jordan Willoughby for the first wicket - Willoughby went for 13 in the 11^th over – and 81 with Peter Bradley (28)
Bovey were 149 for two around the halfway stage, so Heathcoat did well to restrict them to just 83 runs in the second half.
Spinner Brad Barnes had a lot to do with that, taking one for 28 in 10 overs – the wicket being centurion Lake.
Heathcoat were spun to defeat by former Devon captain Chris Bradley – he took four for 23 – and Matt Golding (3-19).
Opener Lochead played an anchorman innings of 56 off 71 balls and was sixth out at 130.
Heathcoat’s best partnership was one of 39 between Lochead and Ned Menheneott (20) for the sixth wicket.
No one else made more than 14 as Heathcoat capitulated with more than 10 overs to go.
Peter Bradley, the Bovey Tracey captain, said Lake and Willoughby set up the game for spin bowlers Chris Bradley and Golding to finish off.
“Malcolm and Jordan are doing it every week for us – that is their third stand of 50 or more at the top,” said Bradley.
“At one stage we looked like getting well over 300. But credit to Heathcoat for bowling well after drinks as it could easily have got away from them.
“Bowling wise I felt we were always in control as that is what brother Chris and Matt Golding gave us.
“They have to be two of the best spin bowlers in the county and they both play for us.
“Heathcoat had a few mini-partnerships, but nothing that looked like winning the game for them.”

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