HEATHCOAT blocked out for a draw at Exmouth as the eagerly awaited meeting between the two promotion chasers fizzled out.

Exmouth made a useful but gettable 222 for seven, with David Lye and Alvin Pollard both making half-centuries.

After Heathcoat dipped from 135 for five to 157 for eight — Joe Smith (57) and Qaasim Adams (30) among the runs — the chase was abandoned in favour of survival.

David Lye claimed five for 41 and veteran spinner Vinod Chouhan — 55 and still willing to help out when Exmouth are short — had two for 52 as Heathcoat flat batted to 167 for nine.

Last pair Sam Wadham and Martin Williams shored up for the final five overs.

Lye had a good game all round as he made 58 and featured in a partnership worth 85 with Pollard (52).

Richard Baggs (29) and Andy Buzza (28) both chipped in.

As top two Paignton and Braunton both won, a draw wasn't much good to Exmouth or Heathcoat.

Heathcoat remain third, now 19 points behind the leaders, with Exmouth back in fifth with 29 points to make up on second-placed Braunton.