Helston 155, Truro 147-8 (Target 144)

There was disappointment for Helston on Sunday when they lost their much delayed Jolly’s Drinks Premier 50/50 Cup final to Truro by two wickets, at Redruth.

With a ten-week delay, and three failed attempts, to play the game it was somewhat fitting that the weather was to have a say on the day.

Despite the heavy rain of Saturday Trewirgie was fit for a prompt start, on an overcast, calm September afternoon. The cloud lowered after tea however with light rain eventually turning heavy enough to force umpires John Molden and John Sweet to take the players off.

The competition rules allow for the final to have a reduced target should there be an interruption in the second innings. Four overs were lost and the requirement for Truro was cut from 156 to 144. After a few late scares Truro got home by two wickets, with almost ten overs remaining.

It’s their first win in the competition since it was revised in 2010. After Steve Jenkin lost the toss Helston were put in, but got off to an encouraging start. Dan Jenkin (32) and Karl Leathley (29) batted steadily to put on 65 in 23 overs before Jenkin attacked Ben Tumilty’s left arm spin, and county keeper Scott Harvey swiftly removed the bails.

Leathley gave Tom Sharp a comfortable return catch three overs later. Gavin Tregenza and Lionel Vaaltyn then combined to take the total to 120 for two, and with fifteen overs remaining the potential was there to set a challenging total.

It all fell apart very quickly however. Vaaltyn skied Neil Ivamy and Kelvin Snell ran in from the pavilion boundary to hold a good catch. Two balls later Tregenza (39) found Nick Callender at mid off. Chris Martin and Ben Rule came and went, as four wickets fell for as many runs. Ross Leathley kept one end going was last out for 21.

He had little support from the tail however as the innings ended at 155 with four balls unused. Sharp took three for 26 and there were two each for Ivamy and Harrison, both completing miserly ten overs spells.

Helston were given hope when Steve Eddy had Adrian Noott lbw. He then bowled Sharp for five to see Truro slip to 26 for two in the seventh over. Conor Miles and Scott Harvey steadied the ship to put on 58 before Miles was caught behind by Karl Leathley off Vaaltyn for 30.

As conditions worsened Truro were looking in control at 110-3 in 29 overs when play was interrupted. On the resumption Dan Jenkin immediately struck twice. He dismissed Harvey for 46 and bowled Barry Purchase next ball. Adam Cocking was bowled by Vaaltyn without scoring to make it 114-6 and all of a sudden the outcome was in the balance. Snell (24) with the support of Rob Harrison, added 22 however and despite both falling near the end the job was done, in increasingly wet conditions. Dan Jenkin took three for 15 and Vaaltyn three for 39 from ten overs.

Scott Harvey was named man of the match. Cornwall League President Clive Rosevear warmly congratulated Helston on their achievements this year on topping a strong western 50/50 group and also some notable Premier League victories.