"Thanks for a very special day." That was how Anthony Penberthy summed up his homecoming to Troon Cricket Club in an address to the spectators following his benefit game on Saturday.

It was, indeed, a special day with a healthy crowd attending to honour a local boy who has made a real impression in the First Class game over the years.

Typical of the man, Penberthy made time for everyone on the day. Be it coaching local youngsters, signing autographs or a word with local fans, who have themselves gained so much enjoyment following Penberthy's progress over the years.

The game between a Northamptonshire XI and a Cornwall XI followed a successful benefit golf day at Tehidy Park.

Played in glorious, warm autumn sunshine, the visiting XI suffered an early blow when Paul Berryman, who has announced his retirement, had a final wicket to cherish. It was none other than Malachy Loye, a Northants regular in recent years. "Burzel," never one to respect reputations, knocked back Loye's stumps in the third over.

David Capel came in and showed the class that made him one of the leading all rounders in the country. He hit a six and five fours in his 28 before he edged Charlie Shreck to 'keeper Jon Kent.

To the delight of the local spectators former Mullion, Troon and Cornwall Schools player David Roberts, opening, played excellently sharing a stand of 106, hitting a six and 13 fours in his 80 made off 72 balls .

Penberthy, fittingly, after a quiet start made 113 that included five sixes and 11 fours off 84 balls. Ben Philips made 21 not out and Carl Greenidge, son of Gordon, hit 13 off the last four balls.

Ben Smeeth took 3 for 41 off his 8 overs.

Cornwall lost wickets regularly with skipper Tom Sharp making 25, Gary Thomas 21 and Wayne Vincent 20, but on the day it was all about Penberthy.

The game was officiated by First Class umpires Ken Palmer and Neil Mallender and included amongst the gathering was Roy Virgin, the former Somerset and Northants opener making his first visit to Troon.

Northamptonshire XI 279-7: A Penberthy 113, D Roberts 80, D Capel 28, B Philips 21no. B meeth 3-41, C E Shreck 2-30.

Cornwall XI 109: T Sharp 25, G Thomas 21, W Vincent 20; B Philips 3-9, R Anderson 3-30, D Capel 2-1, M Strong 2-21.

Northamptonshire XI beat Cornwall XI by 170 runs.