IT was “oh so close” for Falmouth on Wednesday evening in one of the tightest Vinter Cup Finals for years, writes Michael Weeks.

For the second successive time, they lost to St Just, at Camborne and the margin was five wickets, but with only three balls to spare.

Having been put in on a cool breezy evening, Falmouth lost Stefan Churcher, caught on the extra cover boundary, in the second over.

Their hopes further suffered when gun players Christian Purchase and Antony Angove fell in successive balls in the eighth.

Captain Purchase chipped Justin Stephens to Gareth May and Angove was bowled next ball, playing across the line, at 38-3.

It was opener Kieran Rodda's 51 which ensured Falmouth got some sort of total.

He repeated last year’s cup final half century before being eighth out in the penultimate over, ambitiously attempting a ramp shot, while Craig Mouatt made 17 not out in a cameo.

With Purchase, 0-8, and Jordan Thomas, 2-20, bowling excellent tight, four over spells St Just were put under early pressure.

Neil Curnow, an eight ball duck, was held at square leg by Angove before Mark George, one, skied to Guy Leathley at cover.

Gary Thomas was caught on the extra cover boundary, off Furnival for 13, and at 36 for three off nine overs, it was game on.

The 14th over proved pivotal however with Laurence May and Gavin Edwards both being dropped, and 13 runs coming from it.

May, who scored 14 overall, went on to hit a big straight six and Edwards also hit two maximums and these proved telling blows in a tight finish.

St Just required 24 off the last three overs, but man-of-the-match Edwards guided them home with a fine 68 not out, which also included eight fours.

Off the last over, bowled by Angove, six was required for victory and it came off the third ball, with Falmouth left to rue missed opportunities and their eight wides which proved costly.