CHRISTIAN Purchase made 103 as Penzance reached the quarter-finals of the ECB National Club Championship for the second time with a 49-run victory over Bridgwater at St Clare.

After the visitors won the toss, Purchase and fellow opener Jack Paull put on 71 before the latter was bowled by Seth Locke for 25.

Tommy Sturgess was run out for two, but Purchase shared stands of 55 with Wadlan (29 off 20) and 62 with Nic Halstead-Cleak before he was bowled by Kian Roberts at 191-4 having struck nine fours and six sixes in his 88-ball knock. Roberts is the son of St Just legend David and has also represented Cornwall and Somerset Seconds.

However, there was no let up as Halstead-Cleak (57 from 59) and Charlie Sharland (26 off 17) helped Penzance reach 268-8.

Bridgwater lost key man James Regan in the second over to Sturgess (3-40) who then dismissed Roberts first ball.

Luke Pearson-Taylor added 22 before falling to Sturgess (32-3), but for as long as the Eckland brothers were there, the West of England Premier One leaders had a chance.

But having taken the score to 121 in the 23rd over, Alex (36) was caught behind off Jonny Ludlam.

It was soon 152-6 with Joseph Eckland (55) amongst those out to Wadlan (2-36), and although there were some late cameos from Alfie Ogborne (31), Ryan Thorpe (23) and Locke (22no), Bridgwater were dismissed for 219 with 23 balls remaining. Tom Dinnis (3-23) ran through the lower order.

Penzance, who lost to Teddington in the last eight back in 2023, visit Sussex outfit Middleton on Sunday, July 27, looking to match the St Just side who reached the last four in both 2006 and 2007, as well as Camborne in 1982 and Truro in 1990.