PAUL and Truro secured their passages into the last eight of the Vinter Cup last night.

Paul visited County Division One rivals Beacon in what was expected to be a close contest, but despite the hosts making a competitive 141-5, 73 not out from Ben Brooks got the West Cornwall club over the line with five wickets and 21 balls to spare.

Earlier in the evening, Beacon openers Ben James and Stephen Wiseman added 48 before James, who scored 91 against the same opponents on Saturday, was caught by Will Trenowerth off Damon Nicholls for 18.

Wiseman struck four fours and three sixes in his 45 from 34 deliveries which was ended when he picked out Kameron Collins off Kieran Bowden.

Sam James was in and out for six, but although slow, Joe Tunnicliffe (10 off 18) and Ian Chatfield (8 off 13) hung around for star all-rounder Jordan Thomas to finish unbeaten on 46 from 36 balls.

Matthew Skewes (0-23), Michael Fitchett (0-14) and Keiran Bowden (2-22) bowled tight four-over spells.

Paul needed a good start against Premier League class opening bowlers Gareth Mankee and Jordan Thomas, and Brooks and Kameron Collins provided it.

The score had raced along to 46 in just the fourth over when Collins (17 off 10) was bowled by Thomas.

Brooks brought up a rapid half century in the seventh over having faced just 19 balls and Paul had reached three figures with more than nine overs to spare.

Brooks kept going and although four wickets fell, 16 apiece from Charlie Goldsworthy and Damon Nicholls ensured there was no drama.

Brooks’ superb knock featured seven fours and three sixes as he finished unbeaten on 73 from 44 deliveries.

Ben James (0-15 off three) and Emily Edgcombe (1-26 off 3.3) were the pick of the home attack.

Truro were always going to start as firm favourites against visiting Reduth Seconds, and so it proved as the city club ran out convincing eight-wicket winners.

Both teams went in opposite directions from County Division One last summer, and it was opening bowler Freddie Bose was the star of the show for Truro as his 5-10 off four overs ripped through the Reds line-up as they slipped to 27-5.

Jamie Burford and skipper Craig Williams repaired the innings somewhat with a stand of 39 which included 23 from 22 balls from Williams.

But once he departed, the innings failed to kick on as the innings closed on 90-8.

Father and son Neil and Jack Ivamy both bowled in tandem with the latter, who is in the Cornwall youth set up, taking 2-19 on his first team debut.

Truro wanted to get the job done fast and 24 came off the first over bowled by Aizaz Ahmad as Rob Harrison took a liking to Redruth’s new signing.

Harrison struck 24 from just 10 balls before picking out Elliot Stoddard off Craig Williams with the score at 33.

Jaco Van Greunen (26no) and Pakistani overseas player Amir Yamin then added a further 38 before the latter was taken by Dan Viner off Harley Stevens for 19.

New man Adam Price wasted no time in getting the job done as he smashed Ethan Best’s first three deliveries for six as he finished 19 not out from just five balls.