THEVINDU Dickwella showed Saints supporters what they have been missing all summer as St Austell pushed Callington closer to the drop zone with an eight-wicket victory at Wheal Eliza.

The Sri Lankan left-hander was brought in to provide plenty of firepower at the top of the order, and while it didn’t really happen early on, his brutal 142 not out from just 94 balls gave the hosts a comfortable win with 13 overs to spare.

Earlier, the Greens made what is usually a competitive score, a fine score in the circumstances as they had slipped from 51-1 to 78-5 as spinners Gary Bone (1-35) and Andrew Libby (4-33) took out Cally’s middle-order. South African overseas player Liam Lindsay made 18 and skipper Graham Wagg 23.

Xavie Clarke looked dangerous in making 31 before becoming Libby’s third wicket at 117-6, but it was a brilliant 64 not out from South African Rowen Taplin that gave Cally a chance.

Mohammed Danyaal occupied one end while Taplin struck 64 not out from 65 balls with eight fours and a six. Mike Bone got the late wickets of Ben Ellis (13) and Joe White, while Dickwella (1-29 off 8) gave away little.

The chase was all about Dickwella’s brilliance as Callington’s bowlers, with the exception of Ben Ellis (0-12 off 5) were plundered to all parts of the ground.

He put on 144 in less than 27 overs with fellow opener Dan Jarman (38 off 85) who provided the perfect foil.

Mike Bone came in at three and added 20 before edging Ben Alford behind to Joe White, allowing brother Alex to join Dickwella to administer the last rights, the Sri Lankan striking a 20th four to go with five sixes.

Callington are nine clear of bottom side Truro who won at Redruth.