ECB Cornwall Premier League (Saturday)

Redruth v St Austell

CRAIG Williams put in a remarkable performance as the Reds stayed in touch with leaders Penzance at the top of the table following a three-wicket victory.

Williams is usually second team captain, but with some key players missing, was drafted in for the afternoon.

St Austell openers Michael Bone (33) and Curtis Dalby (40) saw off the threat of Aussie Alex MacInnes, but once they were separated in the 18th over with the score at 65, they slipped to 81-3.

After that, Dan Jarman got 18, Alex Bone made 36 from 67 balls while Adam Snowdon, promoted up the order after some recent performance, made 26.

Redruth’s five-man attack was steady with county off-spinner Ellis Whiteford taking 3-30, while captain Piran Kent conceded just 23 from his allocation.

Redruth openers Toby Whiteford and Peter Howells got the innings off to a promising start in adding 40 in less than nine overs, before a spectacular collapse ensued.

Whiteford (29) was first to go off Liam Watson before skipper Gary Bone (2-29 off 9) had Howells (16) caught behind by brother Alex and then Sri Lankan pro Dulash Udayanga bowled for an eight-ball duck.

Aussie left-arm spinner Dan Standing then had Simon Danby caught by Connor Cooke before Ellis Whiteford (0) offered a return catch to Mike Bone.

Oliver Bonds then went in Mike Bone’s (2-29 off 9) next over – the 22nd (56-6) as the Saints sensed a comfortable victory.

But youngster Toby Stoddard was joined by Williams as they added 74 before Stoddard was bowled by Steve Raven for 30.

Williams, who had earlier taken 2-42 from ten overs, then went up through the gears in support from MacInnes (11no) as the winning runs came in the 47th over.

He finished 81 not out from 65 balls with six fours and three sixes.