MARK Jenkin said retaining the Mining Division Evening League trophy would be a fantastic achievement for a much changed Helston side.

The defending champions are through to the semi finals after being forced into the play-off played at the neutral venue of Constantine after the teams both finished on eight points at the end of the group stage phase of the Twenty20 competition.

Mullion’s six wicket victory away at Beacon Park on July 2 set up the tie-breaker for top spot of Pool B.

But this time round they could not produce the goods and overcome Helston, who won the play-off by nine wickets after restricting their opponents to 90-9 in 20 overs.

Jenkin said: “It was a good performance with everyone chipping in.

“Our bowlers were fantastic with Anthony Williams and Matthew Crapp getting three wickets and Sam Rule bowling a great spell too.

“The field was great with special credit having to go to Lewis Jeffrey who took three catches.

“Most teams should expect to knock off 90 runs in 20 overs, but it was good to see the guys take us over the line.

“If we were to retain the trophy it would be a great feat as we’ve not got quite as strong a side this year due to not being able to use the first teamers after their promotion to the County One division.

“But we’re treating it as a bit of fun and just enjoying our cricket, trying to take away the nerves.”

Jenkin won the toss and elected to field. Proceedings got off to a good start as Rule bowled Ryan Tonkin out for a duck. After this, Mullion never really took off.

It was left to Williams and Crapp to blow away Mullion who only had two batsman reach double figures.

One of the duo who did so was Ben Johnson who coming in at number out whacked 53 not out to get his side up to 90.

Helston found it rather easy to knock off the runs, doing so in just 11 overs as opening batsman Justin Matthews hit 51 not out while Luke Clark chipped in with 22 not out.

The only wicket of the innings fell to Johnson, fresh from his half century, when he bowled Roger Hannaford for two, a fortnight after the batsman had scored 53 in the sides’ last meeting.

In semi final draw, Helston have been paired up with Redruth, the team they defeated by seven wickets last season to win the trophy.

The game will be played at Mount Ambrose on July 31, starting at 6pm.

“We know Redruth will be a decent side with some young players who’ll give us a good game,” said Jenkin.

“But we have some good memories from Mount Ambrose as that’s where the semi final was last year and we will be giving it a good go again when the game comes round.”