TO go into the final game of the season and have fate of the title in your own hands is what any club would wish for, writes Michael Weeks.

This is the situation for Helston on Saturday as they look to take the County Division One crown and make a long overdue return to the big time.

Having led the table since June 6, it would be heart breaking to lose out now, but there is still work to be done.

Nearest challengers Callington just will not leave it drop.

Both teams took a maximum 40 points over the weekend so the difference remains at seven points.

A Helston win at Gorran will be enough but a defeat would open the door for the East Cornwall side who entertain an out of sorts Roche on Saturday, a side with nothing to play for.

Their status was confirmed with Launceston’s relegation over the weekend.

Helston will be wary of the threat of Gorran and particularly their skipper Robin Kendall, who has scored more than 1,000 league runs this year.

On Saturday, Helston just managed maximum batting points at home to Ludgvan.

Ross Leathley got 15 in an opening partnership of 71 and Mark Jenkin followed for 16.

But at the other end, skipper Dan Jenkin was going well hitting seven fours in his 84 before being third out at 139.

In a mid order collapse, the score became 181-8, but Chris Martin was last out for 50, off the final ball of the 50 overs.

Damon Nicholls took four for 37 and Jordan Marsden three for 50.

Ludgvan never got going and were all out for 85 in 37 overs, with Nathan Pobega making 22.

The spin of Steve Jenkin, four for 11, and South African Werner Potgieter, three for 32, did the damage.

Then on Monday a positive batting performance saw the big total of 268-8 reached at Roche.

The captain was again in fine form making 83 before being third out at 159.

Tommy Sturgess hit five sixes in his 54 off 39 balls and Werner Potgieter hit 43 off 33 balls at the end, including three sixes.

Stewart May and Oli Henry both took three wickets for the home side.

Roche collapsed in reply with only one batsman, Courtney Rowe, 11, getting into double figures.

Tom Retallack, four for 29, and Steve Eddy, three for 26, set the visitors on the road to victory, reducing them to 38 for six at one stage.

A similar quality performance this weekend will see the corks popping at Beacon Parc but it’s sure to be a nervous ride.