SKIPPER Mark Faulkner clattered 124 and still ended up on the losing side for Chelston & Kingskerswell against Plymouth CS&R.

Faulkner’s men have yet to win a game this season, but got desperately close against Civil.

Chasing the home side’s total of 204 for eight – Rob Gaylard making 61 – Chelston & Kingskerswell lost by one run.

Faulkner – it was his 30th century in all cricket – and Chris Harrison (41) had taken C&K within two runs of victory with one ball to go.

Faulkner had be positive, but going for the winning hit only succeeded in chopping the ball on to his own stumps.

That’s seven defeats in as many completed games for Chelston, who have ended up in the C Division after two successive promotions.

They are already 39 points adrift at the bottom – Civil are the next side up the table from them – and looking at a prompt return to the D Division West.

Faulkner said the uncomfortable fact was C&K had been promoted ahead of their ability.

“Unfortunately we are out of our depth,” said Faulkner.

“Two years ago, before reorganisation, we were in the E Division.

“Now we are two divisions higher and playing sides like Abbotskerswell, Alphington and Chagford who were B or even A Division sides not that long ago.

“We will keep trying and if we go down we go down.”