FALMOUTH just fell short of achieving a remarkable win at Wheal Eliza against St Austell, losing by just one wicket, writes Michael Weeks.

In a low scoring affair, the visitors fought back well and looked favourites when St Austell’s ninth wicket fell with 12 runs still required.

However, the last pair of Matt Lloyd and Steve Raven held their nerve with the latter hitting a couple of crucial boundaries.

The second, off Christian Purchase, was the winning hit that came with 23 overs to spare.

Rain during the afternoon had reduced the match by six overs and in pursuit of Falmouth’s 122, the hosts lost the Bone brothers, Gary and Mike, with only 18 on the board.

George Popperwell had Gary bowled for a duck and followed up by having Mike stumped by Callum Whittaker for nine.

Whittaker then repeated the feat, off Purchase, to send Hugh Parkinson back at 69-3.

Taylor Williams and Matt Ellison looked to be steering the home side to a comfortable victory before dramatic collapse saw six wickets fall for just 12 runs.

Ellison was bowled by Purchase for 19 and Williams, 54, was bowled by Jordan Thomas four runs later at 103-5.

Then Nelson struck as four wickets fell with the total on 111.

Thomas bowled Andrew Libby for five and Alex Bone was caught off Purchase without scoring.

Liam Watson and Callum Gilbert also went for ducks to set up a tremendous finish.

Purchase took four for 26, Thomas three for 38 and Popperwell’s two early strikes cost him 19 runs.

Falmouth had earlier lost wickets at regular intervals after electing to bat.

Whittaker went for two and Kieran Rodda for a single as Gary Bone took three for 12 from an economical 11 over spell.

He caught and bowled Guy Leathley for nine and bowled Stefan Churcher, 14, at 30 for four.

Purchase made 30 but at 79-8, the innings was on the slide.

Glyn Furnival got what almost proved to be a crucial 26 as the last two wickets added 43.

In an attack lacking Kyle van Rooyen and Callum Wilson, there were also two wickets each for Steve Raven and Matt Lloyd.

Falmouth have a tough assignment on Saturday when the new leaders Werrington pitch up at the Hine Downing Oval.