IN THE circumstances Falmouth’s win at Grampound Road on Saturday was remarkable to say the least.

Any successful run chase of 237 in the Jolly’s Drinks ECB Cornwall Premier League is worthy of course.

But this effort was all the more notable as Falmouth travelled with a young side missing first-teamers Sean Hooper, Callum Whittaker, Guy Leathley, Jamie Stephens and Duncan Ayres.

On the plus side the new overseas player Sushan Bhari made his debut, and On first impressions he might well be a useful acquisition at the Hine Downing Oval. He bowled ten tidy overs of slow left arm that only cost 24 runs. With the bat, he then made a telling contribution with the bat to see Falmouth across the winning line. He made 32 not out off 44 balls including a six and four fours to see Falmouth across the winning line. Liam Hoban also played a key innings, at a vital time, joining Bhari with five wickets down and 31 required.

He made 24 not out at a run a ball to secure the win with nine balls to spare. That was the icing on the cake after the innings got off to a good start despite losing Paddy Varkar, who was run out for six. Kieran Rodda (68) and Harry Roberts (50) added 112 for the second wicket. Jordan Thomas was stumped for a single but acting skipper Stefan Churcher made a useful 28 to see the 200 up.

Earlier in the day George Popperwell, back from injury, took the first wicket of Chris Roberts, having made a welcome return to the first team following an injury that has kept him out for the season.

Matt Robins (85) and Tom Hughes (94) put on 172 for the second wicket – the Road looked set for a big total.

To their credit the Falmouth bowlers hit back to take five wickets for 48 runs as the innings was restricted to 236 for six. Popperwell and Churcher picked up two wickets each. Thomas and Sam O’Nyons also got into the act.

Falmouth host champions an improving Werrington on Saturday with the champions having won their last three, including Saturday’s defeat of morning leaders St Just.

Grampound Road 236-6 (T Hughes 94, M Robins 85; S Churcher 2-33, G Popperwell 2-36). Falmouth 240-5 (H Roberts 50, S Bhari 32no, S Churcher 28, L Hoban 24no; A Ridd 2-46).