PENZANCE’S hopes of becoming Cornwall’s first-ever winners of the National Club Championship were ended by Ormskirk on Saturday as the Lancashire outfit won the final by 25 runs at Lord’s.

No side from the Duchy had ever reached the showpiece event – and when the ECB Liverpool and District Premier League champions raced to 74-0 in the 11th over, a hefty score looked on the cards.

But a three-wicket burst from Pakistani pro Mehran Sanwal (3-46) changed the momentum, which included the prized wicket of Lancashire’s George Lavelle for just nine.

Opener Calum Turner, who missed his brother’s wedding to play, continued on his way, striking boundaries all around the ground.

But while he remained, wickets continued to fall as they were dismissed for 217 as skipper Brad Wadlan took 3-31 with his left-arm spin. It would have been better if the Cornishmen hadn’t dropped three catches, while Turner, who eventually made 111, was bowled off a no-ball by Tommy Sturgess on 95. He had also been dropped on the boundary on five and 67.

The reply got off to a bizarre start as in-form opener Jack Paull retired hurt with an ankle injury in the second over, but with Christian Purchase – who had struck three centuries in this year’s competition – smashing four fours and three sixes in his 47, Penzance were on top at 76-0 in the 12th over.

But once he picked out… on the off-side boundary off Sam Holden, who went on to take 5-41, Penzance collapsed.

Holden bowled Charlie Sharland with a pearler before doing likewise to dismiss Nic Halstead-Cleak.

Grant Stone and Josh Croom both fell cheaply to the nagging swing bowling of Barnes before Paull edged Holden to gully.

But it was Barnes who struck the decisive blow when skipper Brad Wadlan (35) edged behind to counterpart Gary Knight to make it 124-7 as six wickets fell for just 29 runs.

Penzance then showed the importance of a lengthy batting order as after Tommy Sturgess made 15, Jonny Ludlam (17) and Tom Dinnis (17no) took the game deep.

Ludlam edged the impressive Toby Bulcock behind, but it was Ormskirk’s title when Sanwal was bowled heaving Holden to leg.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Wadlan said: “Unfortunately it felt like the one that got away.

“We had moments in the game both with bat and ball to take control and we didn’t.

“A few nerves and a couple of dropped catches and we could have restricted them to a smaller score, although we felt 218 was very chase able.”

He continued: “Batting wise, we had complete control of the game and were cruising.

“I thought the two middle overs bowlers were very accurate and used the slope brilliantly and exposed some technical flaws which decided the match despite a fine effort from (Jonny) Ludlam and (Tom) Dinnis.”

Wadlan had a final word the supporters.

He concluded: “What I would say is we of course wanted to win and played to win, but making Lord’s was a club win.

“Having our supporters and supporters travelling to London from all over the county was a very proud moment for all involved.

“We are very grateful and happy to be able to share this experience with everyone, and we’ll look to get back there again next year.”