PENZANCE skipper Brad Wadlan felt the decision to come off when they did was ‘questionable’ after the ECB Cornwall Premier League champions were beaten by just one run by visiting Wadebridge on the DLS Method.

Half centuries from Matt Rowe (85) and Callum Wilson (70) saw Wadebridge towards maximum batting points in their total of 242-9, while home fast bowlers Tommy Sturgess (3-25) and Josh Croom (3-42) both enjoyed reward.

After slipping from 80-0 to 142-6, Penzance were 176-6 after 36.2 overs in pursuit with Grant Stone (26no) and Josh Croom (16no) both unbeaten, but with conditions far from ideal, the players left the field and never returned.

However, such is the close nature of the division which sees leaders Redruth level on points with Callington and Wadebridge, Penzance are only nine points adrift.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Wadlan said: “I thought the game was very even and could have gone either way. They batted well and Matt Rowe played very well. although, we felt we had him caught behind on zero, a decision that wasn’t given and would have a big baring on the game.

“Callum Wilson struck the ball well later in the innings for his 70, but we felt that score was par.

“Batting wise, JP (Jack Paull) and (Christian) Purchase got us off to a flying start but without either of them going on to make that big match-winning score.

“Then the rain came and ultimately DLS proved to be the winner as we fell short by one run, although the timing of us leaving the field and coming off was questionable, meaning we were left very disappointed.”

Wadlan though was quick to hail the division so far and feels there’ll be plenty of twists and turns in the coming weeks.

Speaking on Sunday, Wadlan said: “With the way the results came in yesterday, the league is very open after four games and I think that makes everything a bit more exciting for all involved.

“I said before the season started I felt this season could be very open and a lot of teams all capable of beating each other. That seems to be the case.”

Penzance’s Sunday was equally frustrating.

They were due to welcome Devon side Paignton in the second-round of Group 10 of the ECB National Club Championship, but the Queen’s Park-based club didn’t travel, as did their league rivals Cornwood in the previous round.

He added: “Everyone was excited to be hosting the National Knockout match and the bar and club was fully stocked ready for a big Sunday.

“So we were very upset and frustrated to be told at 9.30pm the opposition wouldn’t be making the trip down. That said, we move forward to the group final where we will visit Golden Hill (near Bristol) on June 15.”

Penzance visit a much-fancied Callington side who lost by six runs to St Austell on Saturday (1pm).