Last weekend Tipton visited Cornwall on their annual tour, writes Phil Wright.

On Friday night at Falmouth defeat against Seaview Old Boys should have been avoided when with the home side at 47-7 they were allowed to reach 77 and, in reply Tipton fell eight runs short! The highlight of the match was Tom Birch’s 5-14 and he also claimed a hat-trick!

On Saturday at Nancledra it was the home side that rued a missed opportunity by dropping Phil Tolley twice in his innings of 110 allowing Tipton to score 159-8. Tipton’s bowlers always had matters under control dismissing Nancledra for 136 in the final over. David Birch and Phil Wright both took three wickets.

Redruth outfit Mt Ambrose always pose the most difficult fixture on the tour and this again was the case on Sunday.

Tipton lost two early wickets, but it was the loss of Tolley caught off a leading edge for 25 that was crucial. A good fourth wicket partnership of 79 between Phil Essex (63) his first 50 for the club, and Joe Birch (44) helped Tipton set a total of 184.

Mt Ambrose started their reply slowly facing accurate bowling, in particular from captain David Birch. Again it was the case of missed opportunities as in the crucial 11th over splendidly bowled by Joe Birch, two edges by opener Mitchell were both dropped by unfortunate wicketkeeper Dave Dawson. Mitchell took his good fortune out on Phil Wright’s bowling hitting him for five sixes!

Wright did manage to bowl the other opener, sending back Tresidder for 25, but with Tim Brokenshire, Mitchell took the score to 143 before a late flurry of wickets gave Tipton false hope.

Mitchell was eventually out for 87 and the hosts reached their target with three wickets and 27 balls to spare. David and Tom Birch both claimed two wickets each.

So ended a tour enjoyed by all.