Cornwall Cricket League County Division One latest round-up

GRAMPOUND Road remain in pole position to win the title after a double victory at the weekend.

After losing to nearest challengers Beacon last weekend in a rain-affected clash, the Road knew nothing but beating Mullion and St Erme would be enough in their quest for promotion.

On Saturday against Mullion they recovered from 42-4 to get to 214 all out, primarily thanks to 41 from Sri Lankan pro Ravi Karunarathna and a superb 65 from wicket-keeper Harry Gregory. Opening bowlers Martin Duck (2-28) and Jonty Wheatley (3-36) shared five wickets.

The visitors were then bundled out for just 100 with spinners Karunarathna (3-15) and David Neville (4-19) doing most of the damage.

On Sunday they welcomed neighbours St Erme and won by 32 runs.

The Road slipped to 23-3, but thirties from Harry Gregory and Tom Orpe, followed by Karunarathna’s rapid 53 and Nathan Keevil’s 25 helped them post 214 all out.

Dylan Smith’s 2-31 was the best for the villagers.

Despite falling to 68-4, a stand of 75 between Spencer Wilcock (58) and Sean Hooper (44) made it interesting.

But once both men departed, the end came quickly.

Keevil backed up his 25 with 4-27.

Beacon kept up their bid with a 39-point weekend.

On Saturday they dismissed bottom side Penzance Seconds for just 68 before racing to a nine-wicket victory, while their fine bowling attack was again on top form at Wadebridge Seconds on Sunday.

At Egloshayle Park, Beacon’s batsmen had to work hard to post 204-8, a fine effort after being 34-4.

Jordan Thomas led the way with 88 and received support from Darren Proctor (36) and Dan Eathorne (35).

Opening bowlers Ollie Bate (2-32) and Charlie Ellis (2-27) took a brace.

But Wadebridge’s reply lasted just 29.1 overs.

Gareth Mankee got the ball rolling, but it was Proctor’s cutters that sealed the contest as he took 5-21. Only Paul Menhenick (32) and Sam Richards (31) made much impression.

In the race at the bottom to avoid finishing in the bottom five, Roche picked up a crucial 60-run success on Saturday as they defeated St Erme.

They raced along to 123-1 with Dan Robotham (55), Ryan Clark (39) and Jack Williams (22) all in the runs, but it required a battling 33 not out from Harry Trethewey to reach 198 as Callum Edgcombe, Dylan Smith and Jack Evans took three wickets each.

St Erme raced to 47-0, but a superb spell of 5-36 from Stewart May turned the contest.

Third-placed Hayle proved far too strong for Camborne Seconds with skipper Tom Sharp in the runs.

He made 94 in their 250-9, while Camborne could only muster 122 in reply.

Matt Lello followed his 56 with 2-36, while opening partner James Franklin claimed 4-36.

Steve Kevern (35) and Ryan Pascoe (37), the latter of which also took 4-35, made thirties for the visitors who are all but down.

Newquay cemented fifth with a convincing 83-run success over fourth-placed Paul.

Mike Harding made 52, and with support from Jack Howarth (33) and Tom Rhodes (20no), they posted 199-8. Keiran Bowden claimed 3-25.

Skipper Joe Crane then led from the front with 5-29 as Paul, who were going well at 81-2 with Kameron Collins (43) at the crease, collapsed to 116 all out.

Falmouth are 21 points ahead of eighth with a game in-hand after a six-wicket victory at Wadebridge.

Opening bowlers Antony Angove (3-27) and Isaac Hurtel-Hymans (3-22) shared six wickets as Wadebridge were dismissed for 133.

Openers Adrian Noott (51no) and Harry Roberts (45) added 88 to all but seal the game before Ross McLachlan’s 3-25.