HELSTON made light work in defeated strugglers Launceston at Beacon Parc on Saturday by nine wickets, writes Michael Weeks.

The action was all over in quick time with the entire game lasting less than 50 overs.

With Callington thumping Ludgvan by 204 runs, including another Murray Workman double century, it is as you were at the top of the table.

Helston go into Saturday’s clash between the top two at Moores Park with a 27 point advantage, with nine games to play.

Victory in East Cornwall would see them sitting pretty but defeat on the other hand will keep Callington in touching distance.

With all-rounder Steve Jenkin currently out with a shoulder injury, Helston will need to be on their guard, as Werrington discovered in the Hawkey Cup semi-final earlier this year and Newquay subsequently in the final.

Launceston were soon in trouble on Saturday after electing to bat with Ian Searle bowled by Tommy Sturgess off the first ball of the match.

Sam Pengelly made 18 before being held by Mark Jenkin senior, off the bowling of Steve Eddy.

Michael Diebner and Josh Hockridge were dismissed by Tom Retallack in successive balls at 47-4.

Kevin Worth made 14 but wickets continued to fall in pairs as Jordan Duke went for a third ball duck.

Opener Gavin Wallis survived 63 balls for his 39 but became one of three victims for Werner Potgieter as the last four wickets fell for 25 runs, leaving the North Cornwall side all out for 113 in the 28th over.

In all, five of Helston’s six man attack took wickets with Retallack, three for 12, and Potgieter, three for 36, leading the way.

Mark Jenkin picked up the last two wickets at a cost of nine runs.

Peter West trapped Dan Jenkin in front at 29-1, but this was the only success for the North Cornwall club.

Ross Leathley, 39 not out, and Jenkin junior, unbeaten on 45, maintained Helston’s undefeated record in the 20th over with both hitting seven boundaries.