ST JUST won their 14th Vinter Cup in 16 seasons after this gripping game at Camborne on Wednesday.

The usually mild-mannered Gary Thomas could not contain his joy on hitting the winning run, throwing his bat, helmet and gloves into the air as he ran around the outfield as though being chased by a swarm of bees.

With five runs needed off the last two balls of the innings, he hammered Chad Fortune's penultimate delivery to the long-off fence, before dashing a quick single with Mark George to spark scenes of wild celebration.

The bumper crowd bathed in the evening sunshine and were served up a treat.

Christian Purchase blazed nine fours and a six in his 64, although he was dropped by Gavin Edwards on 42 after launching one over the moon towards deep extra cover.

He was eventually dismissed by Harry Medhurst, just one ball after the Australian had removed Greg Smith on 108 to stifle the Penzance innings.

St Just skipper and man-of-the-match Gareth May had earlier led from the front, conceding just 17 runs from his four overs.

Penzance finished on 139-5 from their 20 overs and St Just set about their reply in fine style.

May and Neil Curnow (20) hit an array delightful shots - some crunched, some caressed, putting 65 on the board for the first wicket before Curnow was run out in what looked a desperately tight call.

May hit six fours and two sixes in his half century but in an almost identical twist to their innings to that which Penzance had suffered, St Just lost two wickets in two balls when Greg Smith removed Gavin Edwards and Harry Medhurst with the score on 109.

It was either team's cup to win, but Thomas, the former Cornwall captain, called upon all his poise and calmness to guide his team to yet another twenty-over success.

They will now meet Grampound Road in the Edwards Cup final at St Austell on Wednesday.

For full Vinter Cup scorecard visit ccl.play-cricket.com/website/results/2849659