LAUNCESTON continue to give themselves a chance of survival following an impressive 81-run victory at leaders Menheniot-Looe, a result which means Tintagel are within 11 points of top spot.

However, Roche Seconds’ victory at South Petherwin coupled with Boconnoc winning at Ladock and Callington Thirds securing eight points at Grampound Seconds means Launceston still have it all to do.

Saturday saw Menheniot choose to field and Launceston were restricted to 169 all out.

Matt Bloomfield went early for four before veteran Mark Thomas and Dan Tilley (22) put on 39.

Thomas occupied one end for 39 from 109 balls, but Kevin Worth’s 38 from 26 deliveries provided some momentum as they reached 148-4.

With time running out, chances had to be taken, and the acceleration required failed to materialise as they were dismissed for 169. Richard Burdon made 13 on his first team debut.

That looked well under par at tea, but after Matt Bloomfield took out the ever-dangerous Luke Ripley for just four, it was game on.

Australian Findlay Farrell and Pete Nance (21) enjoyed the slightly quicker pace of Shane Davey, that was until he bowled Farrell for 16.

Nance and Sam Jordan added 14, but once Jordan fell to an inspired Bloomfield (3-24 off 9), the wheels fell off as they fell to 51-7 as David Cox (2-17) provided fine support.

Alex Caddy (16) and Josh Geary (13no) threatened with a stand of 33, but skipper Finlay Worth’s (3-13) left-arm spin accounted for Caddy and tailenders David Dickens and Robert Cowley as Launceston celebrated a vital victory.

However, they remain 17 points behind third bottom Roche who they visit on Saturday in another must-win game, after the Clay Country outfit produced a shock 17-run success at South Petherwin.

The home side were looking to maintain their slim promotion hopes and after a fine start from bowlers Sam Pengelly (1-17), Kevin Horrell (2-14) and Paul Clements (1-25), the visitors attacked the rest to reach 202-6.

Petherwin then slipped to 107-5 with Billy Martin out for 38, but despite Pengelly (39) and Adrian Clements (42) getting in, the lower order couldn’t stay in long enough as they were dismissed with 23 balls remaining.

Tintagel eased past fellow promotion-hopefuls Saltash by six wickets at Butts Field.

They did miss out on a potentially crucial bonus point as the Ashes rallied from 130-8 to reach 180-9, that after Ryan Pooley (3-33), Harry Daly (2-45) and Jordan Blanchard (2-15) had done much of the work. Blanchard’s nine overs cost just 15.

The Knights lost Tom Parsons early, but with just four runs an over required on a small ground, Tintagel could take their time.

Skipper Matt Jolliffe made 20, but the chase was built around Jordan Burnard’s steady 57 before Pooley (34 off 23) and Sam Abbott (38no off 51) provided the impetus to get the job done with 27 balls remaining.

Callington Thirds are six points from safety following their defeat at Grampound Road Seconds and Roche’s victory.

Rhys Hodge took 3-13 from five overs as the hosts racked up 258-8, before Cally secured maximum batting points by ending on 208-5, mainly thanks to Mohammed Durrani-Zubair (51no) and James Moon (45).

Grampound’s success means they sit just four points behind Tintagel who they visit this Saturday (1pm).