Werrington pull clear of trouble as Trees lose at Callington

WERRINGTON are now a hefty 28-points clear of trouble after an impressive success over last year’s champions St Blazey at Ladycross on Saturday.

The hosts were without key bowlers Jason Seldon and Darren Webber, and chose to bat, and saw veteran opener Rob May blaze 40 on his return to the side.

Wickets fell regularly at the other end, mainly to visiting skipper Rory Dixon who went on to take 5-35, as they slipped to 127-6, only Tom Lyle and Ben Jenkin with 21 apiece making much impression.

However, the hosts fought back, firstly via Zander Zambuni (41) and Jordan Duke (11), before Sam Smeeth (19no) and wicketkeeper Lee Houghton (22) helped them reach a competitive 213 all out.

Blazey lost Dixon for just four to Toby Ward (2-44) and then saw Jordan Duke (3-20 off 9) claim three quick wickets in a running total of 40-5.

For as long as South African overseas star Henro Bouwer was there, the visitors had a chance, but while he blasted 52 from 42 balls, wickets continued to tumble at the other end as they slipped to 95-8.

Bouwer finally found some support from number 10 Angus Harley (17), but Bouwer holed out to the midwicket boundary off Ian Searle with 139 on the board as the end came shortly after when Harley was bowled by Sam Smeeth (2-31).

Holsworthy made up a point on second bottom Bude, but still have a mountain to climb heading into the final third of the season, following a five-wicket defeat at third-placed Callington Seconds.

Despite the warm weather, Callington chose to field and started well as Ryan Hodge and Spencer Whatley (3-37) took out Guy Beagley (9) and Nick Ward (0) quickly.

Brendan Harris (15) and Aiden Gerry (13) regrouped somewhat before Harris was run-out by Jim Shorten with 51 on the board.

The dangerous Sam Stacey found some welcome form with a boundary-filled 40, but when he departed (114-5), skipper Ryan Walter had plenty of work to do.

He hung around for 20 from 50 balls and there was 14 from the returning Wayne Pomeroy, however they could only muster 165 all out. Experienced duo Rich Brown (2-28) and Jim Shorten (2-32) both sent down miserly nine-over spells.

The Trees – still without Jack Greening and Rob Mitchell – started well with the ball as Beagley castled the in-form James Brenton for a rare nought, and it was game on when South African seamer Bilal Darbar (2-34) dismissed Blake Tancock (4) and the dangerous Ben Allsop (27) in quick succession (49-3).

But Cally have plenty of batting and Brown joined veteran Peter Tancock in a match-winning stand of 86.

Tancock struck 47 from 38 balls before offering a catch back to left-arm spinner Graham Wild (2-29) who soon bowled Charlie Coates for a second ball duck.

Brown continued to lead by example as he was joined by Ryan Hodge (9no) to add the final 32 required in good time.

Hodge played sensibly while Brown upped the gears to end 57 not out from 56 balls with five fours and a six.

Holsworthy have a must-win clash at home to Menheniot-Looe on Saturday, while Cally face an awkward trip to Tintagel. Both matches start at 1pm.