The wintry conditions earlier in the week gave way to a very pleasant weekend resulting in all games taking place.

Highlight of the weekend has to be the first century of the season scored by 14-year-old James Bowman whose unbeaten 109 was his maiden century.

Outstanding performances with the County Under-13 team, and his work with the Development Squad, now see him converting this promise into senior cricket.

Along with J Cann (57), Kirkby Stephen 2nds closed on 221 for 1. Irthing Vale were 107 all out, leaving Kirkby victors by 114 runs.

At the opposite end of the scale, Keswick 3rds relied heavily on veteran performers; John Webster (61) and Keith Richardson (41 no), Rhys Hodgson (4/ 59).

In reply, Temple Sowerby totalled 145/8 with Derek Gate (54), another veteran and Stuart Leonard (27 no) earning them a point in a losing draw.

Cricket clearly a game for all ages.

Champions Kirkby Stephen’s defence of their title started with a defeat at Temple Sowerby.

Posting 194/9, clearly a below-par score, with only Rob Hook (64) and Chris Scarr (46) contributing as Temple Sowerby easily overhauled the target with 6.3 overs to spare. Skipper Alastair Craig (53) and James Farmer (58) leading the way.

Only Rob Hook with 2/28 off his 10 overs keeping Sowerby in check. A good start for the 2015 Champions.

Caldbeck opened their account with victory over Scotby. The visitors ran into a rampant Kevin Pattinson 7/12 off 8.3 overs. Dan Swan (48) and James Swan (37) offering most resistance.

In reply, Caldbeck got home thanks to Ben Tickle (65) at his belligerent best – 10 fours and two sixes.

Scotby bowled very tightly with Nick Rigg and Dan Swan bowling their 20 overs for just 35 runs and the evergreen Andy Teasdale taking 3/35.

Appleby welcomed Rockcliffe to Culgaith and, winning the toss, put the visitors in to bat.

Steady batting by the Wharton clan took the visitors to 99/2 but, in stepping up the rate, lost wickets quickly and they collapsed to 123 all out.

All the Appleby bowlers were economical with Ryan Davidson, George Winder and Josh Bellas each taking three wickets.

Appleby made short work of their target, taking just 20.3 overs for victory.

A close and interesting game at Edenside ended in a winning draw to Carlisle 2nds. After a good start, Ed Mitchell (55), Carlisle collapsed to 145 all out with Johny Ridley 5/15 doing the later damage.

Dean Johnston (66) and Scott Lancaster (37) looked to have won the game but a couple of run-outs, last over panic maybe, saw the visitors finish two runs short.

In the other Premier League game at Threlkeld, Braithwaite were the victors by three wickets chasing down Threlkeld’s 142.

In Division One, arguably the game of the day, saw Staffield beat Wetheral. A strong Staffield batting line-up was dismissed for 136; Plenty of starts but no one kicking on.

Wetheral too struggled against a miserly Staffield attack with Terence O’Neill turning back the clock, taking 5/36 as Wetheral were bowled out for 108 with just two balls remaining.

Elsewhere, Lanercost came out on top against Keswick 2nds. Batting first Lanercost made 141. Keswick struggled in reply and only a late flourish by John Moses (35) took them into three figures. Callum Kennedy completed a fine all-round match with 6/27.

Wigton 2nds’ trip over the border ended with a heavy defeat at Langholm. Put into bat, Langhold totalled 155. Ross Rae (66) and Dave Steele (33) scoring the bulk of the runs. Wigton’s Elliot Armstrong 5/43 starred with the ball.

In reply, Wigton collapsed to 54 in just 21 overs. Graham Park and Tony Steele doing most damage.

Division Two saw Gamblesby chase a Penrith 3rd’s score of 154/5, reaching their target in 32 overs with five wickets in hand.

In the other game in this Division, Stainton 2nds were overwhelmed by Lanercost 2nds. All out for 69, Sam Wright with 6/10 off his seven overs outstanding. Lanercost coasted to victory by nine wickets.

Sunday’s cricket featured two thrilling games at Edenside.

Appleby 2nds put together an excellent 214 with Andrew Lightfoot (80) top score. Carlisle 3rds chased down their target with a couple of overs to spare. N Shaheed (62) and Phil Wittred (53 no) leading the way.

This game was matched on the other side of the ground with Nunwick 2nds making 169, Harry Jackson (59). Carlisle 4ths, in reply reached their target with just two balls to spare thanks to Patrick Muldoon (68) and Mike Tiffen (45) starring.

Wigton 3rds hammered Edenhall. Billy Rae (87 no) and Lewis Little (40) helped them to a total of 166. Edenhall were all out for 76 in just 25 overs.