ECB Cornwall Premier League (Saturday)

St Just v St Austell

MID-TABLE St Austell’s inconsistent run of form continues as they were beaten by three wickets at bottom side St Just who are now level on points with Camborne.

The Saints made the long trip west looking to build on their superb seven-run victory over Penzance, but found the going tough at Cape Road.

After being sent in by home captain Gareth May, they were going okay at 54-1 in the 20th over before Curtis Dalby was dismissed by May, caught behind by Rhys Brownfield.

That soon became 57-4 as May (2-24 off 10) dismissed Dan Jarman (25) and Ben Sleeman went for nought to Chamikara Edirisinghe (3-17 off 10).

Brothers Alex and Gary Bone made 19 and 18 respectively as the Saints rebuilt the innings before departing within a run of each other.

David Munn and Adam Snowdon swiftly added 22 before wickets continued to tumble with Snowdon making 20.

The end came at 140 in the 46th over when Aussie Dan Standing was lbw to Philip Nicholas (3-22 off 6.5).

St Just’s batting has been struggling in recent weeks, and although they made life tough for themselves against a fine attack, they got the job done.

However, at 33-3 in the 12th over, St Austell fancied their chances.

But needing less than three an over from the outset meant St Just could take their time.

Neil Curnow faced 80 balls for 29 and Philip Nicholas 48 for his 17, before Curnow was out at 115-5 in the 41st over.

Nerves were really jangling when Edirisinghe and Gavin Edwards went to leave them at 117-7 to give Sleeman (3-19 off 5.1) a third wicket, but Gareth May (37no off 67) held his nerve alongside Rhys Brownfield (9no) to give the hosts a huge 18 points.