There was another twist at the head of the Eden Valley Cricket League Premier Division as Braithwaite returned to the top with their penultimate-ball win over Rockcliffe, with Kirkby Stephen losing to Carlisle 2nds.

Braithwaite, making a habit of taking games to the ultimate, came out victorious this time. Rockcliffe (197/7) had set a good target with Ashley Wills (65) top-scoring.

Braithwaite made a good start in reply but a mid-innings hiccup put them on the back foot. Jason Pyke (66) and Dan Pyke (50 not out) ensured they would not be denied.

Kirkby Stephen came a cropper at Hills Bottom against Carlisle 2nds.

Batting first, 149 all out was never going to be enough. Nick Whitfield (4/52) led a varied potent attack. Ed Mitchell (45), Jordan Oultram (60 not out) and Alex Blaylock (36 not out) took just 27.4 overs for an emphatic nine-wicket win. Carlisle look dark horses for the title.

An incident-packed game on and off the field at Scotby’s second home saw Threlkeld win a close game by nine runs; Lee Meddings (79), injured and with a runner, scored the bulk of Threlkeld’s 146/10. James Swann (5/48) best with the ball. Scotby’s reply centred on Olly Driver (38) and Dan Swann (53) but fell just short at the end. Best wishes to young Miss Rigg spectating, who broke her arm in a fall.

A weakened Appleby were no match for Caldbeck. A second-half onslaught took Caldbeck to 224/4; Jack Proudlock (95), Michael Strong (51 not out) and Ben Tickle (33 not out); Carl Hodder (0/24) from his 10 overs outstanding. In reply, Appleby (156 all out) lost a spate of wickets early, a pugnacious Jordan Palmer (85) the only batsman to threaten. Jack Proudlock (4/29) completing a fine all-round performance.

The title contenders in Division One had mixed fortunes. Staffield (191/2) made short work of chasing down the target that Wetheral (189/8) had set with Andy Oliver (52) and Bryn Garnett (50). Steve Thomlinson (47), Robbie O’Neil (41) and Richard Bamber (45 not out) made it look easy, 32 wides not helping Wetheral’s cause.

Langholm surprisingly lost at Nunwick. Asked to bat first, Nunwick were 159/6 with Ross Collin (82) top-scoring. Langholm never threatened and were 108 all out with only Graham Park (38) featuring.

On Sunday, Carlisle 3rds entered the promotion race by defeating Keswick 2nds by 100 runs. Carlisle’s (208/9), led by a Taryn Reay century (102), proved to be way beyond Keswick (108/10).

In the Second Division, Edenhall (157/4) surprisingly lost at Carleton (158/4) by six wickets, allowing Gamblesby to occupy top spot.

Gamblesby dismissed Stainton 2nds (97/10) with Simon Watson (5/5) and Andrew Benson (4/28) doing the damage. Gamblesby fell over the line, winning by two wickets with Steven Hodgson (20 not out) holding things together.

Caldbeck 2nds (258/9) hammered Penrith 4ths (83/10) by 176 runs; Graham Wetheral (104) the other centurion of the day and Sean Merone (5/17) outstanding with the ball.

Wigton 3rds (120/2) beat Penrith 3rds (119/10) by 8 wickets; Neil Swanson (49) with Cameron McGuiness (4/35) best bowler. In their reply, Wigton’s Matthew Reed (54 not out) and Scott Mulholland (42 not out) excelled.

In Division Three, Carlisle 4ths (173/3) beat Irthing Vale (169/10) by seven wickets; Adam Brown (4/20) and Anthony Wilson (3/34) the main wicket takers. In reply, Carlisle 4ths’ innings was dominated by Marcus Tiffin (90) as they reached victory in the 29th over.

Kirkby Stephen beat Keswick 3rds by eight wickets.

PREMIER DIVISION:

Braithwaite 202/7. Rockcliffe 197/7. Braithwaite won by 3 wickets.

Caldbeck 224/4. Appleby Eden 156/10. Caldbeck wonby 68 runs.

Kirkby Stephen 149/10. Carlisle 2nds 152/1. Carlisle 2nds won by 9 wickets.

Scotby 137/9. Threlkeld 146/10. Threlkeld won by 9 runs.

FIRST DIVISION:

Nunwick 159/6. Langholm 108/10. Nunwick won by 51 runs.

Staffield 191/2. Wetheral 189/8. Staffield won by 8 wickets.

Carlisle 3rds 208/9. Keswick 2nds 108/10. Carlisle 3rds won by 100 runs.

SECOND DIVISION:

Carleton 158/4. Edenhall 157/4. Carleton won by 6 wickets.

Penrith 4ths 83/10. Caldbeck 2nds 258/9. Caldbeck won by 175 runs.

Stainton 2nds 97/10. Gamblesby 98/8. Gamblesby won by 2 wickets.

Wigton 3rds 120/2. Penrith 3rds 119/10. Wigton won by 8 wickets.

THIRD DIVISION:

Carlisle 4ths 173/3. Irthing Vale 169/10. Carlisle 4ths won by 7 wickets.

Kirkby Stephen 2nds 147/2. Keswick 3rds 143/10. Kirkby Stephen won by 8 wickets.