CHRISTIAN Purchase said he is looking forward to his captaincy stint at Falmouth as he continues to try and "prove doubters wrong" this season.

The 21-year-old who only joined the Cornwall Premier League side during the winter has been chosen to take charge of the first team while regular skipper Sean Hooper is sidelined with a fractured arm, which is expected to keep him off the field until August.

In his first two games as captain, Purchase helped the side reach their third successive Vinter Cup Final with a win over Helston last Wednesday but fell to a 133 run defeat at home to St Austell in the league on Saturday.

Last season was not a stand-out one for the all-rounder at Grampound Road as he struggled to just one half century and a single ton during 2014 while 31 wickets were picked up by him.

However, since coming to Falmouth, Purchase has put in some impressive displays including a 68-ball 102 at Werrington.

His form has also transferred into the County side with three fifties and a blistering 126 off just 51 balls against Herefordshire last month.

Speaking to the Packet, Purchase said is hoping to enjoy his spell as captain after a good start to life at Trescobeas Road.

"It is quite a nice and different challenge for me to be put in charge of a bunch of decent cricketers," he said.

"Over the winter I did a lot of work with Sean on my game and I am really enjoying my time at Falmouth.

"The reason I joined was I felt it was a club I could take my cricket forward and just go out and enjoy playing again, which I think not being a club professional is helping as well.

"I'm also trying to prove a few people wrong after last season and actions speak louder than words, so hopefully my performances with Falmouth and Cornwall are getting noticed."

On Saturday, St Austell moved into the league's top spot after their win at Falmouth.

The visitors finished on 205 with opener Mark Bone scoring a half century before rolling their hosts over for just 72 runs.

Callum Wilson rattled through the batting line-up as he finished on five for 33 as only Antony Angove, 12, and Harry Roberts, 11, made double figures.

"It was one of those days were nothing went right for us from ball one really," Purchase said.

"It was a shame to lose like that a couple of days after making the Vinter Cup Final again, but we have to put it behind us and move on."

Next up for Falmouth and Purchase is a trip up to his former side, Grampound Road.