Carlisle Cricket Club second-team's chances of retaining their Eden Valley Cricket League Premiership title were enhanced without them bowling a ball on Saturday as Caldbeck’s challenge crashed at Kirkby Stephen.

On a hot, humid afternoon, Caldbeck (125/10) found batting difficult from the start, losing early wickets. Jack Proudlock (31) and Liam Bell (26) were the major contributors, Ross Jackson (5/22) the main wicket-taker. 

Kirkby Stephen (126/5) too found it tricky, adopting a more aggressive approach by Dan Todd (38), balanced by Ross Jackson, 33 not out from 64 balls, with others chipping in. Kirkby got home with 10 overs left.

Threlkeld (113/10) came to grief at Rockcliffe.

Jamie Lihou (38), Ben Jefferson (28) and Dan Thompson (24) scored most of their runs. Dave Colombi (3/14), Josh Stirling (4/28) and Jonathan Musgrave (3/46) were the bowlers in form. Rockcliffe (115/2) eased to victory with William Wharton (46 not out) and Ashley Wills (22 not out) seeing them home.

A high-scoring game at Temple Sowerby saw the home side win by five wickets. Scotby (246/10) with James Swann (101) and Dan Swann (46) the major contributors. James Nicholson took 5/60. 

The visitors would rue the four overs left when the innings closed. Temple Sowerby made 249/5, led by James Nicholson (102) but it was Robin Witchell (68 not out) and Jack Overs (31 not out) who got them home.

In Division One, Appleby Eden (281/5) recorded a 236-run victory over Patterdale.

Josh Brabbins made 101 - his maiden century - and Jordan Palmer also made three figures with 106. 

Patterdale (45/9) were taken apart by George Winder (5/17) and Josh Bellas (4/27) in just 15.1 overs. A one-sided victory before another large crowd enjoying the return of cricket to the town.

Carleton were shocked at home to Carlisle 3rds, losing by 10 wickets. Carleton made 113/7 with Johnny Westgarth 3/13 from his 10 overs outstanding. 

Carlisle (114/10) sailed home with Nathan McStay (51 not out) and Cameron Westmorland (50 not out) to the fore.

Keswick 2nds (141/9) were undone by Bailey Donaldson (4/46) and Jack Pool (3/27), as Langholm (143/3) won comfortably by seven wickets. Duncan Elliot (72) was the best of Langholm’s batsmen.

Stainton (138/7) overcame Wetheral (137/10) by three wickets.

Liam Mulholland (3/35) and Nick Lancaster (3/29) restricted the visitors. Stainton too struggled but skipper Jonathan Greenwood (61) and Scott Lancaster (25) guided them home.

Leaders Staffield (172/6) fell just short in their chase of Edenhall’s (197/6). Johnnie Kidd’s 108 helped set a good total. 

Staffield batted steadily with Mark Vasey making 48. The bottom line here as a result is that five clubs are separated by just four points. 

Langholm, with games in hand, can move clear but much will depend on their clash with Appleby Eden on Saturday.

In Division Two, Kirkby Stephen 2nds (189/7) had Duncan Ross (110 not out) to thank for their score. Caldbeck 2nds (190/2) batted solidly with Kyle Brough (52), Matthew Burbury (42), Steve Percival (40 not out) and Elliot Blake (31 not out) all contributing.

Irthing Vale (156/8) fought out an exciting draw with Lanercost 2nds (158/9), falling just short of a victory some good batting possibly deserved. 

Ben Allen’s 2/18 from his 10 overs the probable reason they didn’t. 

Temple Sowerby conceded their game at Braithwaite.