CAMBORNE skipper Alfie Macdonald felt his side ‘turned up at the key moments’ after making an immediate return to the ECB Cornwall Premier League this summer.

The Roskear-based club were relegated in 2024, but despite a season-long battle with neighbours Beacon, eventually got the job done to be crowned County Division One champions.

Camborne were boosted by retaining the majority of the side from the season before, with the exception of Somerset’s Lewis Goldsworthy who signed on for Helston, while Sri Lankan pro Dinuka Dilshan, who is coming back for a second season next year, made a real impact, opening the bowling and batting at four.

Dilshan took 40 league wickets at an average of less than eight, and averaged over 30 with the bat.

Reflecting on their achievement, Macdonald, who replaced Jamie Goldsworthy over the winter, told the Voice: “We set a goal at the start of the year as a club that we wanted to get back into the Premier League and thankfully we managed to do it.

“A couple of silly mistakes from us meant that we were chasing the league for a while, but the boys dug in and put some real strong performances together, turning up at the key moments and winning games of cricket.”

So what was key to their success, Macdonald added: “I think just hammering away at the basics, simplifying the game down and understanding what was needed from us to get a result on that day.

“Also, ensuring we were giving 100% and nailing our non-talent negotiables as things like energy and belief can be brought to the table by anyone.”

However, Macdonald knows that Camborne, who have yo-yoed up and down between the two divisions over the years, will need to be even better to survive next summer.

He said: “At times we faded out of games, mainly the two that we lost early on.

“In a better league, teams will capitalise on that, so it’s something that we know we need to improve on for next year.”

As for the impact of Dilshan, Macdonald was full of praise.

He said: “Dini has been excellent, on and off the pitch.

“But I think his bowling just blew teams away, getting two or three quick wickets most weeks just means the batting side are already on the back foot.”

In previous top-flight campaigns, Camborne have usually more than held their own with the ball, but struggled with willow in-hand.

Macdonald knows making sure they are ready to hit the ground running will be key.

He said: “Hopefully we’ll have a good winter, get some nets in before the season so the boys are firing and ready to go, and hopefully add strength to the squad whether that be local or again from overseas.”

Camborne’s Warrior Park often attracts crowds as big as any across the Duchy, and Macdonald praised their support.

He said: “We have a great backing and the social side of the club is so strong, we love playing at home and in front of all of great club people, so thanks to them in helping us get over the line.”

Camborne have also been bolstered by the return of left-arm spinner Craig Johnson for next season.

He joins from neighbours Redruth where he has spent nearly a decade.