Helston 271-7 (20pts) beat Redruth 2 123 (6pts) by 148 runs

Helston’s superb start to the County Division 1 season shows no signs of stopping as they beat Redruth 2 by 148 runs on Saturday.

Helston won the toss and decided to bat first, but were rocked by the early loss of opener Karl Leathley, who scored three off five balls.

Stephen Wiseman (7), Chris Martin (18) and Guy Leathley (16) all departed for a combined 41 runs to leave the hosts on 52-4.

But in stepped Eben Koekemoer who struck a superb 120 off 107 balls to turn the tide in the home side’s favour. His haul included 13 fours and three sixes.

His partner Ross Leathley supported him with 63 not out off 85 balls, with Ben Rule (8), Joshua Ninnis (2) and Steven Jenkin (2 no) all adding single-figure hauls as they reached 271-7 off their 50-over allocation.

Falmouth Packet:

Helston batsman Ross Leathley (above) scored 63 not out for his side - his highest haul in almost four years.

Martin Strick was the best with the ball for the visitors, taking 3-35.

Redruth’s reply began slowly with opener Mark Jenkin departing for a duck after being caught by Helston namesake Steven.

George Bolland (5) didn’t fare much better before he was caught by Karl Leathley, although Arron Wallace (36) clawed back some runs for the visitors.

Wallace’s 36 was only beaten by Luke Johnson, who scored 38 before he was stumped by Leathley.

The other two Leathley’s, Ross and Guy, combined to catch Connor Paulton (4), before the latter bowled both Strick and Craig Williams as the visitors slumped to 123 all out.

Fall of wickets (Helston): 4-1 K Leathley (C Martin-0*); 23-2 S Wiseman (C Martin-10*); 44-3 C Martin (G Leathley-12*); 52-4 G Leathley (E Koekemoer-3*); 248-5 E Koekemoer (R Leathley-53*); 264-6 B Rule (Ross Leathley-60*); 269-7 J Ninnis (R Leathley-63*).

Fall of wickets (Redruth): 10-1 M Jenkin (A Wallace-7*); 24-2 G Bolland (A Wallace-15*); 73-3 A Wallace (L Johnson-27*); 84-4 L Johnson (C Poulton-0*); 89-5 C Poulton (N Hambly-0*); 96-6 M Strick (N Hambly-6*); 113-7 C Williams (N Hambly-10*); 120-8 J Cockings (N Hambly-11*); 121-9 J Hambly (N Hambly-16*); 123-10 A Faull (N Hambly-16*).