Bond Timber Cornwall Cricket League county finals Tier Two round-up – Saturday, September 5

ST ERME rounded off a fine campaign by being crowned Division Two county champions after overcoming east champions Wadebridge Seconds at Lanhydrock.

After choosing to bat, St Erme lost dangerman Kyle Van Rooyen (8) in the first over to the excellent Ollie Bate (3-24) and found themselves 79-6 with off-spinner Charlie Ellis (3-43) helping himself to two.

However, Callum Edgcombe’s superb 54 from 44 deliveries, which included four fours and as many sixes, saw them scrape their way to 135 all out, Edgcombe the last man out to Ellis.

Wadebridge were missing several batsmen in the likes of Sam Richards and Richard Atkinson, but got off to a fine start via Ryan Pooley and Jamie Beare as they raced to 42-0.

Van Rooyen’s seam and swing accounted for both and Kieran Gill in a running total of 57-3, however it was the spin twins of Ryan Pascoe and Henry Hocking that proved key.

While Pascoe gave away little for his 1-21, Hocking’s leg-spin bamboozled the visitors who slipped to 86-8 and eventually 114 all out. Club legend Nick Yelland was 28 not out having come in at nine.

Nearby at Roche, Saltash thrashed an understrength Veryan side by seven wickets in the Division Three decider.

Veryan were without key batsman Matt Tregunna and all-rounders John Chaffin and Rhys Daniel amongst others and slipped to 43-3 with the in-form Aaron Davey out for five to Tharanga Prasad (2-13).

The Wheildon brothers – Gary (52 off 119) and Andrew (36 off 40) recovered the innings to 115-4, but once they were separated, spinners Joe Organ (2-32) and Matt Petherbridge (4-28) ran riot as the final six wickets fell for just 18.

Saltash then attacked from the off with devastating effect.

Jonny Wastell made a steady 16 before being bowled by Paddy Morgan (2-26 off 3), however blistering half centuries from opener Huw Williams and Sam Renfree ensured the chase was done after just 16 overs.

Williams blasted 50 off 28, but Renfree’s unbeaten 52 off 24 was even faster as the Ashes prepare for Division Two cricket for the first time.

St Stephen hosted the Division Four decider between village outfit Barripper and Wadebridge Thirds with the latter emerging victorious by 16 runs.

Although patient against some disciplined bowling, Wadebridge were well-placed at 84-2 with Robert Centini (24) and Lucas Stewart (13) set, however the Ducks came roaring back as three wickets fell for just 10 runs before bits and pieces from Joe Wilson (16), skipper Leigh Charles (14) and Joe Skinner (13) gave them a chance at 138 all out. Veterans Shane Richards (3-29) and Brian Dunstan (3-17) shared six wickets with braces for Oliver Essex (2-23) and Dan Wills (2-30).

On a small ground that chase should have been perfectly gettable, however Wadebridge’s battery of bowlers proved too good despite a quick 20 from opener Jordan Sheers.

At 74-3 they were over halfway to the finishing post, but once the dangerous Richards was bowled by Sam Gerry for 17, two further wickets with 75 on the board meant 64 were required with just four wickets in-hand.

Skipper Ben Edwards (16no) and number 10 Ryan Stephens added 25 having been 97-8, but Stephens and last man Dunstan fell in successive deliveries to James Cox who finished with 4-16.