Helston’s lead at the top of County Division One has been extended to 23 points courtesy of a hard fought three wicket win at Wadebridge on Saturday, and Callington’s home defeat to Hayle.

Wadebridge elected to bat at Egloshayle Road. They were soon in trouble though when Steve Eddy removed Charlie McLachlan for nought and Charlie Ellis was bowled by Tom Retallack for five with only nine on the board.

Eddy then struck twice to remove Neil Richards and James Maycock with the score at 25. Matthew Jolliffe survived 81 balls in making 26 before being fifth out at 83. Antony Puliatti hit 30 as the home team staged a recovery. Both were dismissed by the Jenkin brothers however without a run added to put the home side back in trouble.

There was little to come from the lower order as the last six wickets only mustered 16 runs. Steve Eddy took three for 14 from ten tidy overs. Steve Jenkin took three for 14 from five overs and skipper Dan Jenkin took two for eight.

Helston found it a struggle themselves. After losing Ross Leathley, Dan Jenkin and Mark Jenkin with 26 on the board the fourth wicket almost doubled the score. Chris Martin went for ten however and was quickly followed by Ben Rule and Tommy Sturgess at 53 for six. However Steve Jenkin made a crucial 23 not out.

Werner Potgieter’s 16 contributed to a seventh wicket stand 33 to turn the game back in Helston’s favour. He was out with 14 still required but Retallack (3no) survived nine balls to help Jenkin get the win.

Puliatti with four for 29 was the best of the home attack and Stuart Parkyn took two for 27. Helston host Beacon on Saturday in what should be a keenly contested game at Beacon Parc.

Next Wednesday Helston will play Falmouth in the Vinter Cup semi-final at Redruth at 6pm. Helston gained an excellent win at Penzance last week by 33 rums to take the scalp of the Premier League side.

Tommy Sturgess (38) and Steve Jenkin (36) led the way in a good batting effort to reach 160 for seven. Penzance were 66 for six at one stage in reply.

Falmouth reached the semi-finals thanks to a 43 run win at Hayle on Monday evening. Helston seconds tie at Truro was postponed last week. Should they have beaten the Premier League side last night, in the rescheduled game, they will face the holders St Just next Thursday at Hayle.

Helston 160-7 (T Sturgess 38, S Jenkin 36, C Martin 21; S Sweeney 2-27, M Stevens 2-32). Penzance 127-9 (K Moyle 27no, S Sweeney 19; S Eddy 3-27, W Potgieter 2-13, T Sturgess 2-26). Helston beat Penzance by 33 runs.