Falmouth almost pulled off victory against the odds in their home game with Troon on Saturday in the Jolly’s Drinks ECB Cornwall Premier League.

The visitors at one stage looked to be cruising to victory, but a collapse meant it was left to the last pair to get the winning runs.

The good news for Falmouth though was that bottom side Newquay didn’t get a point in their nine wicket drubbing by Werrington, after being dismissed for just 78. It leaves Falmouth 47 points clear of the danger zone - and with only four games to play they are surely now safe.

Falmouth lost Jake Stephens for six and Stefan Churcher for five, both to the bowling of Steve Eddy.

Simon Hosking, who opened the innings again, and Adrian Noott added 52 for the third wicket before Noott was caught off the spin of Steve Jenkin for 23. Hosking followed at 96 when he was caught by James Rowe off Eddy having completed a second successive fifty at the top of the order.

Wickets continued to tumble with seven down for 115, but there was a late rally from Jeff Carvelly on his first team return. He made 34 before being bowled by Gavin Tregenza and added a valuable 33 for the ninth wicket with Chris Farndon, who ended up undefeated on nine.

The innings ended in the 53rd over at 166 all out. Matt Rowe took four for 38 and Steve Eddy three for 39.

Duncan Ayres made an early strike getting the important wicket of Matt Rowe when he trapped him lbw for eight with the score at 24. Daniel Mitchell contributed 14 but was bowled by Stefan Churcher. Ian Goldsworthy went on to make 71 and James Rowe 31 as Troon got to 134-2 and the game was looking over. Richard Kellow got the breakthrough and a collapse followed as the visitors lost seven wickets for 25 runs. The middle order of Mark Jenkin, Jason Weeks and Gavin Tregenza only scored two between them. In a tense finish the last pair of Tom Mitchell and Eddy got the eight they required. The winning runs came with ten overs to spare.

Duncan Ayres took three for 47 from eleven overs with two each for Carvelly and David Neville. Churcher and Kellow were the other wicket takers.

Over the bank holiday weekend Falmouth visit St Austell on Saturday before hosting Truro on Monday.

Elsewhere last weekend Callington took over at the top of the table following a 158 run win over St Austell. Werrington’s win at Newquay moved them into second spot.

St Just are third after beating the previous leaders Truro by six wickets and Paul had to work for a four wicket win at Grampound Road.