PENZANCE produced two superb batting performances to win the Vitality Club T20 South West Area Finals Day at Bridgwater on Sunday afternoon.

The Cornishmen faced Welsh outfit St Fagans in the second semi-final for the right to face Bath, the West of England Premier One side who had knocked them out of the ECB National Club Championship earlier this summer.

Taking regular wickets were going to be key on a batting paradise and Penzance got off to a superb start as St Fagans – who are based near Cardiff – slipped to 48-4 and latterly 116-7 as Ben Fletcher (2-34), Ollie Rayner (2-39) and Jonny Ludlam (2-39) built on Charlie Hearn’s fine spell (1-27).

However, Fahad Anser’s 77 not out from just 41 balls helped the Welshmen reach 198-7.

Penzance lost dangerman Sammy King and Basil Akram early, but skipper Christian Purchase walloped 71 from 36 (seven fours, five sixes) in a fine stand of 97 with Rayner (62no off 35).

Although wickets then fell, Rayner was helped by useful contributions from Grant Thomson (24), Jack Paull (10) and Tom Dinnis (9no) as they got home with a ball to spare.

Purchase decided to bat in the decider, and what a decision it proved, as they amassed a hefty 226-6.

King made a brutal 58 from 25, but it was Akram’s 89 off 43 that ensured Bath would require over 11 to the over from the outset. Rayner (22) and Thomson (23) made vital contributions.

Bath had to attack but lost wickets throughout to be bundled out for just 103 in 13 overs.

Paceman Tom Dinnis struck twice at both the start and end for his 4-32 from four overs, while spinners Rayner (2-20) and Hearn (3-38) shared five wickets from their seven overs.

Penzance now head to Basingstoke and North Hants CC on Sunday, August 30 for the South Regional Final.