IF Helston were hoping for a smooth run in to the County Division One title – they can certainly think again.

They lost at Hayle on Saturday by 73 runs and picked up only seven points.

Meanwhile nearest challengers Callington beat lowly Launceston by four wickets.

Needing 149, Callington lost six wickets in getting over the line but did take the full 20 points.

It means Helston’s lead has been cut to seven points, which is the narrowest it has been since they took over at the top on the first Saturday in June.

There are four games remaining with Helston at home to doomed Menheniot Looe this weekend.

They end the season with Ludgvan at home and Roche away over the Bank Holiday weekend before finishing at Gorran.

Callington’s run in is Wadebridge and Gorran away before hosting St Gluvias and Roche.

After being put in, Hayle struggled at the Towans and despite Dan Lello making 21 they slipped to 77-6.

Steve Eddy had Graham Wiseman LBW for six and then he bowled Steve Richards for nought, making the score 10-2.

Harry Harvey was bowled by Tom Retallack and Ryan Pascoe was run out, without scoring.

Paul Lello led the recovery with 40 before James Franklin, 21, Mark Smitheram, 16, and Ross Williams, 26not out, got a total to defend on the board.

Eddy ended with figures of two for 24 and Werner Potgieter matched these to make them the most successful bowlers for Helston.

Retallack, Steve Jenkin and Mark Jenkin took one each in an eight man attack.

The Helston reply, however, was disappointing to say the least.

Dan Jenkin went for eight and opening partner Gavin Tregenza for five.

Mark Jenkin, 11, Chris Martin, six, and Karl Leathley, eight, all followed soon after.

Ben Rule was sixth out for 20 and Steve Jenkin and Tommy Sturgess quickly followed at 66-8.

Potgieter made 20, but the innings came to a disappointing end at 102 all out in the 42nd over.

Dan Lello took four for 17 from eight overs while Richard Hall took three for 20 from ten overs and there was one each for James Franklin, Steve Richards and Wayne Jenkin.

Helston will be looking to regroup quickly and have a good opportunity on Saturday against a team that have only won twice this season.

Despite this, Looe could argue they are on form as they managed a one wicket win over Gorran in their last match.