THIS weekend could be a defining one for Helsto as they aim to get back in the top flight of Cornish Cricket, writes Michael Weeks.

They were ever presents up until 2001, when they were relegated in the first year of the ECB Cornwall Premier League.

The climb back up from division five has been long and hard but a good bank holiday weekend could see them within touching distance of a return to the top.

The entire County Division One programme was washed out by lunchtime on Saturday.

Helston made every attempt to get their home fixture with strugglers Menheniot Looe on at Beacon Parc and were hopeful at one stage as conditions eased, meaning the visitors did set off before being turned around.

It meant that by taking just six points, Menheniot Looe’s relegation has been confirmed.

Helston host Ludgvan on Saturday in their final home game before travelling to Roche on Monday.

Callington are too close for comfort, with the gap just seven points after their visit to Wadebridge was cancelled.

It might have been worse news for Helston however as the Division Five game at nearby St Minver, went ahead after a delayed start, in some warm afternoon sunshine.

Callington visit Gorran before hosting St Gluvias on Monday.

As for the rest of the Western Section, the story was of a complete Saturday washout.

In Division Two, Praze have been in close contention for most of the season, but have faltered in the final furlong as they trail the leaders Rosudgeon by 42 points with just three games to play.

A home win over St Just on Saturday could go a long way to securing at least a top four finish, but it is their visit to St Ives on Monday is crucial as the home team, who are fighting for the one survival spot with Gulval and Crofty Holman.

The weekend washout meant Mullion are a step closer to surviving at the expense of Leedstown.

The difference between the sides remains at 25 points, but with just 60 to play for now.

Mullion are at Mt Hawke & Porthtowan before a home game with promotion chasing Constantine.

Leedstown make the short trip down the B3280 to the leaders Goldsithney before entertaining Botallack & St Levan on Monday.

Should Mullion have a really bad weekend, the pressure might be on the final game against Leedstown of all teams.

In Division Four, Helston seconds need to better Perranporth by 14 points over the last three games to grab the potential third promotion spot.

They are at Stithians and entertain St Just while mid-table Porthleven can relax at Truro and at home to Camborne thirds.

There was one game played on Sunday with Mullion seconds gaining a five wicket win at Rosudgeon in a game brought forward from Holiday Monday.

Trevor Lee, who was due to be skippering Cornwall Over Fifties at Stoke-on-Trent, top scored with 54.