Carlisle Cricket Club's 2nds increased their lead at the top of the Eden Valley Cricket League Premiership with a 99-run victory over Temple Sowerby.

Batting first, they were put on the back foot early on with both openers dismissed without scoring. Jordan Whinn (127 not out) and captain Olly Bradley (61) got them back on track as they recovered to 278/7.

An under-strength Temple Sowerby (179/10) went down fighting. James Nicholson (45), Gav Sisson (27) and James Farmer (57 not out) were unable to cover the weaknesses elsewhere. Jordan Oultram (4/22) was best with the ball for Carlisle.

Wigton 2nds (118/10), who lost by 106 runs to Threlkeld (224/8), continue to find themselves in a relegation battle at the bottom.

Ben Jefferson (111) and Richard Bannister (50) scored the bulk of Threlkeld’s runs. Jack Taylor (3/15) was outstanding for Wigton.

Wigton’s innings stuttered against the bowling of Dan Thompson (4/29), Jefferson (2/20) and Jamie Lihou (2/32).

Lanercost (143/8) defeated Scotby (117/10) in a low-scoring game at Scotby.

Craig Foster (57) and a late flourish from Callum Kennedy (25 not out) the best for Lanercost.

Scotby, losing early wickets, threatened briefly in mid-innings. Phil Storey (37) and Andy Teasdale (22) put a few runs on the board but Kennedy with 5/15 from his 10 overs was instrumental in the visitors’ win.

In Division One, Appleby Eden (194/7) comfortably beat close rivals Langholm (105/10) by 89 runs as they recorded their sixth consecutive win of the season.

There was solid batting throughout from the home side with Ryan Davidson (37 not out) top-scorer. Graham Park took 3/27.

Langholm were never in the hunt as Davidson (5/35) completed a man-of-the-match performance.

Staffield kept their noses in front at the top with an 81-run victory at Patterdale.

Staffield made 226/5, with Mark Vasey making 86 and Richard Bamber 71. Patterdale ended up on 145/9. Dean Kelso (39) and John Young (42 not out) gave it a go. Steve Thomlinson (4/33) again amongst the wickets.

Edenhall (194/7) lost ground as they fell just six runs short of overhauling Wetheral’s (199/5), with Chris Slack (56) and Olly Smith (48 not out).

Solid batting throughout the Edenhall innings saw Tom Langridge (50) top-scoring but they were unable to reach the target, gaining just two points.

Carleton (145/3) beat Keswick 2nds (142/7) by seven wickets, Graeme Dixon (46) and Paul Ireland (41) contributing to the Keswick total.

Ray Cuneen (4/38) was the best of the bowlers. Carleton openers Ben Greig (66 not out) and Alex Smith (50) scored the bulk of the runs as the home side eased to victory.

Carlisle 3rds (214/6) had a surprisingly convincing 83-run win against Stainton (131/10).

Cameron Westmorland (102), with support from Patrick Muldoon (35) and Johnny Westgarth (27 not out), gave them a total to defend which they did comfortably as Stainton struggled from the start with only a late flourish from Ben Clementson (46). Adam Tiffen (3/22) was the best with all five bowlers chipping in with wickets.

In Division Two, Caldbeck 2nds (99/3) beat Penrith 3rds (94/10) by seven wickets.

Charlie Hansford (44 not out) top-scored for Penrith. Racing to victory, Caldbeck's Matthew Strong (50 not out) was the main man.

Leaders Nunwick steamrollered Irthing Vale by nine wickets.

Irthing Vale made only 58, James Miller (29) the only batsman in double figures with the wickets shared out. Nunwick (59/1) raced to victory in just 8.3 overs. Tony Bennett was unbeaten on 30.

Gamblesby (186/10) beat Kirkby Stephen 2nds (133/10) by 53 runs, Luke Butler (59) top-scoring. Oliver Rose (4/26) was best with the ball.

Young Rose top-scored with (32) as the home side fell short. Eight Gamblesby bowlers each took a wicket - a team effort!

There were three good games in the Sunday League. 

At Appleby, the home side bundled out for just 149, with only Ross Parkin (46) and Shane Barden (27) showing with the bat. Lewis Elliot (3/26) and John Forrester (3/16) did the damage.

Stainton made 150/9 in reply with Cameron Wilson (36), Dean Kelso (29), Forrester (26 not out) and Darren Coleman (16 not out) seeing them home with a last-wicket partnership of 46. 

Langholm 2nds (148/10), with John Bell (62) held up by Luke Graham (4/24) and Will Teasdale (3/16), lost out to Carlisle's Academy (150/9) by one wicket with Zach Du Plessis unbeaten on 60 and stand-in captain Thomas Reeves making 20.

Jamie Ashton-Smith (4/21) was best for Langholm.

Caldbeck Colts (119/10) lost out to Keswick 3rds (121/6) by four wickets.