BEFORE July 18, Richard Bannister had only picked up one five-wicket haul during his cricket career.

But whizzing forward a month, the 27-year-old has upped his total to six as a hot streak of form with the ball has seen him collect five in as many games.

The St Gluvias second team captain has been picking up wickets for fun as the side look to nail down promotion from Cornwall Cricket League's Division Four West.

Their form has seen them win five in a row with Bannister's bowling proving crucial in the victories which has moved them to second spot in the table.

Since July 18, Bannister, a quantity surveyor and estimator from Penryn, has overall figures of 28 for 128 from 51.4 overs, giving him an average of 4.43 and a strike rate of just over 11.

His best haul came in the first game of the five as he finished with seven for 25 while his six for 29 helped the Saints bowl St Buryan out for 54.

Looking back at his recent performances, the seamer admitted he has been amazed at how well things have gone.

Bannister said: "Before this season I had only ever had one five-fer, so to pick up five in a row is unbelievable and a bit surreal.

"Over the last two years I have had back problems, so I've been limited to bowling no more than five over spells.

"But at the start of this season my back seemed a lot better and it has allowed me to bowl more, which ultimately has led to this.

"I haven't done anything differently, I've just been getting the ball in the right places and with a bit of luck the wickets have come my way."

Alongside his personal achievements, Bannister, who is also the club's chairman, said what has pleased him the most is seeing the second team hit form as they look to go up.

"We have four big weeks coming up," he said.

"That includes playing Penzance seconds, who are currently top, on the penultimate weekend of the season, so that will be a massive game.

"I just hope I can keep bowling well and help us out, but if you offered me the option of taking no more wickets this season but we got promoted, I'd be happy."