Last updated at 13:54, Thursday, 17 May 2012

BIG-HITTING Cleator’s hopes of logging one of the highest scores in North Lancs & Cumbria Cricket League history were blighted by rain on Sunday.

They blasted 399-5 in 45 overs in their Higson Cup opener against visitors Ulverston, just 15 runs short of equalling the highest ever score in a North Lancs competition, set in 1923.

Robert Mason blasted 177, Shaheen Khan was unbeaten on 113 and James Rogers chipped in with a useful 53. But before Ulverston could launch their reply the heavens opened, bringing an early end to the match.

“Unfortunately it rained so they’ll have to come back and do it all again on Sunday, which is a bit of a shame,” said Cleator president Alan Wishart.

“Once Robert Mason got his hundred he started to hit out, and he’s a good bat. If it’s his day, he scores very, very quickly. It started to rain during the tea interval and there was no chance of the second innings.”

Millom hold the record for the highest score in any North Lancs match, their 414-7 in the Higson Cup’s first season 89 years ago standing the test of time.

Cleator have made an encouraging start to the season, but their run-fest came only a day after they suffered a stunning 87-run defeat at Lindal Moor, who remain rooted to the foot of the Premier Division table despite picking up their first win.

“It was just one of those days, everyone has one,” Wishart added.

First published at 11:13, Thursday, 17 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk