HELSTON lost a third successive league game on Saturday, writes Michael Weeks.

Having been in second spot a fortnight ago they now find themselves down to ninth, demonstrating how competitive the division is this year. They made a respectable 151 at Gorran but, not for the first time this season, Kiwi Tom Cross played an influential innings. Following on from his 235 the previous week he hit three sixes and 14 fours in his 84 not out.

It saw the home team to an eight wicket win with no fewer than 33 overs to spare. Rhys Daniel made 36 in an opening stand of 36 and Robin Kendall was unbeaten on 23.

The Helston bowling figures were, not surprisingly, nothing to write home about but there was a wicket each for Tommy Sturgess and Ross Leathley. After electing to bat Helston lost Josh Ninnis for a single.

Chris Martin (12) became a second victim for James Tomlinson at 39. Ross Leathley (two), Ben Rule (nought) and Mark Thomas (nought) all followed to Tomlinson, at 63 for five.

Dan Jenkin watched from the other end and finally found a partner in Sturgess, who made 26. They took the total to 117. Jenkin held the innings together making 75 before being ninth out. Tom Retallack (12) also got double figures.

Tomlinson wrecked the top order taking five for 35 and Dan Semple picked up three for two. Helston are at home to sixth placed Troon on Saturday to complete the first half of the season.