HOLDERS St Austell eased into the semi-final of the Hawkey Cup on Thursday night as they beat neighbours St Blazey by 82 runs at Wheal Eliza.

Just 2.5 miles separate the two grounds and upon winning the toss, visiting captain Andy Thomas chose to field.

But after the six-over powerplay the home side were well on top at 54-0 and from there didn’t let up as 72 came off the next seven as they reached 126-0 after 13 overs.

Blazey made a breakthrough when Alex Bone picked out Martin Porthouse off Thomas for 70 off 41 balls (six fours, three sixes).

The hard-hitting Steve Raven was sent in at three, but despite hitting a six, was bowled by Thomas for 10 (141-2).

Dan Jarman played the anchor role to perfection, finishing unbeaten on 75 from 55 balls with seven fours, although they slowed slightly at the end to finish on 183-2.

Thomas was the pick with 2-27 from his four overs while Nithin Gowda (0-31) was also tidy.

Blazey needed a rapid start but the seam and swing of Liam Watson (1-14) and left-arm spin of Aussie Dan Standing (2-21) proved tough to get away.

Just six came off the first three overs before Rory Dixon manage to score a couple of boundaries off Standing.

Ben Griffiths (7) was stumped by Alex Bone off Watson which brought to the crease dangerman Matt Bennetts.

He soon got into his stride, including launching Watson’s final ball for six, but Dixon went for 20 in the ninth over bowled by skipper Gary Bone (2-18).

The next over saw Ben Sleeman (2-27) dismiss Martin Porthouse and Nithin Gowda in successive balls and when Taylor, who made 27 from 18 deliveries picked out Standing off Gary Bone, it was game over.

Blazey eventually finished on 101-9 as the Saints set up a showdown with Wadebridge.