It could well be that Tipton’s annual tour of Cornwall will mark a turning point in their season. Despite poor weather forecasts, the tourists managed to play two of their three matches and win both convincingly, playing with a positive attitude and excellent team spirit that should stand them in good stead for their matches to come, writes David Birch.

Two of the younger members, Alec Pace and Adam Gibbins, got the tour off to a flying start in the 20 over match against the David James XI at the superb Redruth CC ground, putting on an adventurous 59 in 7 overs before Gibbins’ retirement on 27.

When Pace (28) retired in the next over, Phil Tolley (21), Phil Essex (28 not out) and Dave Jessop (18 not out) maintained the momentum to carry the score on to 130-3.

The hosts’ reply was carried by opener Hitchens (33 not out), but Tipton’s bowlers were too persistent and accurate and the fielding too sharp (not a phrase used very often by this commentator) to concede the advantage.

Essex, with a superb 6-15, led the way and was well supported by brother-in-law Steve Robinson’s 3-18, as the hosts came up 57 runs short.

The traditional Saturday visit to the windswept hilltop ground at Nancledra saw the hosts choose to bat first and make a sound start despite a tight opening spell from Paul Williamson and David Birch.

As soon as they tried to force the pace, wickets began to tumble with skipper Poole (21) and English (24) the first of Mark Channon’s five victims.

Dave O’Higgins chipped in with three wickets and Phil Wright claimed two at the expense of only one run in four overs to reduce Nancledra to 79 all out.

Passing this total was not all plain sailing as Justin Quick, Matt Williamson (after launching a huge six) and Phil Tolley all fell relatively cheaply.

With the score on 42-3, John Williamson arrived to give Dave Jessop staunch support (and players and spectators much amusement when he was felled by a full toss) in a stand of 23.

Nick Wright and Jessop, with a patient 33 not out, then saw Tipton comfortably home to a six-wicket victory.