CORNWALL over 50s returned from their mid-week trip to the South Coast with superb wins over reigning divisional champions and national semi finalists Hampshire and a revived and inspired Isle of Wight.

With the Hants match moved at the last minute to a sticky looking wicket at Cadnam, Cornwall won the toss and put Hampshire in. Early strikes from Dave Dunnett and the removal of top opener Strether by Dave Craddock along with other wickets for spin twins Mike Hoban and Steve Mitchell had the hosts 127 for 6 but the experienced Harsham made 60 at number 7 to reach 221. A decent score on a tricky wicket.

In reply Jim McKenna and Anton Luiten went early. Nigel Sanders made 20 before opener Nance and skipper Trevor Lee added 54 but when Lee fell to be quickly followed by Andrew Jones and Steve Mitchell Cornwall were in trouble at 112 for 6 with 110 needed off 14 overs. Nance was bowled for a fine 58 and with Dave Dunnett gone for 1 the target with 2 wickets left became 61 off 6.4 overs. The game looked up. Not though in the minds of Truro's Ian Bishop and Pencarrow's Dave Craddock. They both set about the experienced Hampshire attack and the target became 47 off 4 as opening bowlers Harsham and Garlic returned. 11 off Garlick made it 36 needed from 3. Bishop's mighty 6 off Harsham's last ball of the 43rd over left Cornwall needing 15 off 12 balls. The pressure got to Hampshire and with 5 wides at the start of the 44th over another huge Bishop six sealed the match for Cornwall with an over to spare. Bishop made 62 and Craddock a vital 20 as they created a record stand for Cornwall's 9th wicket — 64 off just 34 balls. Hampshire's first home defeat in the group games for many years.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.