Roche all but safe after edging Luckett classic

ROCHE have built up a healthy 31-point gap over second bottom Luckett after edging a thriller against their East Cornwall opponents at Trezaise Road on Saturday by just one wicket.

With a tough end to the season coming up, Luckett knew they realistically needed to win but got off to a disastrous start as seamer Stewart May ripped through the visitors’ top order including opener Toby May for two, followed by Ryan Brown and Joe Hagan-Burt for ducks.

Luke Brenton got himself to 21 before edging May (4-38) behind for his fourth off the afternoon.

Luckett needed some partnerships and got them. Skipper Andrew Hoskin made 25, but James Moon with help from Richard Goldsby-West (33), got them to 151-5 before that came 172-8 with Moon out for a superb 76 from 82 balls that contained 11 fours and four sixes.

The villagers then responded again as George Wilkinson (31) and brother Henry (17) added 46 to give them a chance at 228 all out.

Luckett’s spin attack then went to work as Roche slipped to 86-4 despite George Oakley’s quickfire 46 as George Wilkinson (2-49) struck twice.

But Aussie Fletch Grimsey-Cook was still there and after adding 65 with Harry Trethewey (27) they slipped to 153-7 with spinners Goldsby-West (2-33) and Brenton (2-38) doing the damage.

However, Roche are known for their battling qualities and Grimsey-Cook and skipper Antony Leaney ensured the pendulum swung once more before Grimsey-Cook fell for ..., soon followed by Tommy Blake who was run-out by Brown.

Nineteen were required off the final 23 balls, but with Green (7no) occupying one end, Leaney (26no off 36) was able to get his side over the line with a boundary off the penultimate delivery.

Luckett have to make up 21 points on third bottom Newquay to survive.