St Blazey’s title hopes were boosted without kicking a ball on Saturday as Bude became the first team to beat leaders Wendron for 17 games.

The shock result of the day left the Green & Blacks eight points behind Wendron with five games in hand.

And the sides still have to meet each other at Blaise Park on Saturday April 22.

For Wendron, Saturday’s result came as a real surprise after 11 successive wins, and 16 games unbeaten. The last team to beat them in the league were St Blazey at Underlane on August 31.

But fourth in the table Bude, who had been so poor in their home defeat by St Austell a week before, were full value for the three points, and should have had more than three goals.

Wendron actually took the lead after seven minutes through Josh Wood but it was followed by three goals in 14 minutes midway through the first half for Bude.

Gabby Rogers set the ball rolling with a 16th minute equaliser from the penalty spot after he had been fouled, and Billy Hopcroft fired Bude ahead in the 25th minute, collecting a pass from brother Harry and cutting inside to smash in a low drive.

It was 3-1 five minutes later as Rogers’ corner caused problems in the Wendron six yard box and James Dart was there to head into the net.

The prolific Tornado Bello should have added to his season’s tally of 22 goals when he was sent through one-on-one just before half-time but he was thwarted by the goalkeeper.

Bude would have anticipated a reaction from Wendron in the second half and the home side saw plenty of the ball but by the time Charlie Young scored their second goal, in the fourth minute of time added on, it was too late.

Full coverage of the South West Peninsula League in the Voice on Wednesday.

Bude: L Hill, W Pugh, L Potter, J Dart, L McDonald, H Hopcroft, B Mariko, S Piper, G Rogers, B Hopcroft, T Bello.

Subs: K Darragh, O Anker, M Mahmud, L Scarfe, M Tape.