ECB Cornwall Premier League

Penzance v Truro

LEADERS Penzance overcame a slow start to eventually ease past Truro at St Clare on Saturday.

The West Cornwall club, who beat Callington earlier in the week to win the WT Edwards Cup final at Truro, were in early strife at 8-3 as Rob Harrison (2-28) and Conway Gilbert took out the top three of Christian Purchase, Ben Seabrook and Jack Paull, the latter two going for nought.

But Grant Stone and Dylan Blignaut (22) started the rebuild, before Stone was joined by Dan Lello (33) to take the score up to 146-5.

Stone departed for an excellent 81 at 164-6, and although Jack Parker was out for seven, the innings was given some late impetus by Jonny Ludlam (27no off 14) and Tom Dinnis (24no off 10) as they scrambled up to a competitive 225-7. Left-arm spinner Neil Ivamy continued his fine campaign with 2-35 from ten overs.

Truro were again without Pakistani pro Amir Yamin and they started okay with openers Harry Phillips and Charlie Kent, who both made 14 apiece, taking them to 25-0.

But Kent’s departure to Dan Lello started a remarkable collapse as off-spinner Giles Lawrence (3-24) took three quick wickets to reduce the city club to 34-4, including the key wicket of Jaco Van Greunen for a duck.

Ted Phillips (5) and Adam Price (17) added 22 before former Truro left-arm spinner Andrew Libby (2-22 off 10) and Jonny Ludlam (2-12) both took a brace in quick succession.

Conway Gilbert departed at 77-9 to Stone, and it looked like Truro may not make three figures.

But veteran Barry Purchase (16 off 60) and last man Neil Ivamy (17no off 40) showed plenty of fight as they faced 100 balls between them, before the end came in the 45th over at 128 when Purchase was bowled by Blignaut.