Two weeks into the season and only two sides have a 100 per cent record; Appleby and Braithwaite.

Such is the competitive nature of the Eden Valley Premier League, Temple Sowerby came a cropper at promoted Threlkeld.

The expected close game between Appleby and Caldbeck did not materialise. Asked to bat first, Appleby posted a formidable 271/3 with Joe Davidson (98) and Chris Beckwith (85) leading the way. Caldbeck reached 173 all out in reply. Josh Bellas (4/39) and Ryan Davidson (3/46) were the pick of the bowlers.

Braithwaite, fresh from their opening-day victory at Threlkeld, put Carlisle 2nds into bat. Carlisle again failed to capitalise on a good start from openers Ed Mitchell (52) and Jordan Oultram (36) and meandered to 152/6. Braithwaite, after a few early scares, reached their target with more than six overs to spare. Skipper Andrew Muir (71 not out) and Jason Pyke (44 not out) put on a partnership of 120.

Another side asked to bat first were Kirkby Stephen. A massive 285/6 was the result. Dan Todd (107) with a maiden century and Chris Scarr (66 not out) leading the way; Dan Swan (4/43) the best of the Scotby bowlers. In reply, the visitors scored a creditable 157/8 with the Swan brothers both making 52. Dan taking the bragging rights, being not out.

The idea of asking teams to bat first was clearly not working as, yet again, Rockcliffe scored an imposing first innings at Stainton. John and Willie Wharton gave the visitors a good start and a sparkling fifth wicket partnership between Jonathan Musgrave (47) and young Mark Wharton (32) with a late flourish from Keith Coulthard (24 not out) took Rockcliffe to 214/8. Stainton never really threatened after losing early wickets. Jon Ridley and Jon Greenwood were the only home batsman to feature. Unusually, there were two stumpings off wide balls in this game.

In Division One, game of the day was at Wetheral. Batting first, Wetheral totalled 190/7. Chris Slack (45) and Lewis Fuller leading the way. In reply, Wigton fell just two runs short, being bowled out off the penultimate ball. A great effort. Elsewhere, Nunwick beat Keswick 2nds by 23 runs.

In Division Two, there were comprehensive wins for Edenhall, beating Penrith 3rds by 9 wickets, and Lanercost 2nds defeating Wigton 3rds by 179 runs. Gamblesby 219/8, Darren Coleman (50), beat Penrith 4ths by 77 runs.

Sunday League One games produced wins for Langholm and Carlisle 3rds.

Chasing a Staffield score of 202/6, Carlisle again succeeded, winning by five wickets.

At Culgaith, Appleby 2nds were in deep trouble at 41/8. Acting skipper Phil Brabbins (44 not out), together with late replacements Tony Ousby (17) and Josh Bellas (41), took the score to a respectable 162. After the early loss of Duncan Elliot, Graeme Park (49) and Tony Steele(72 not out) took the visitors to victory.

In Division Two, a high scoring game at Stainton saw Carleton victorious. Batting first, Carleton scored 292/7; Shaun McDermott (96) and Michael Rice (93 not out). Stainton in reply were 150 all out.

At Keswick, Irthing Vale defeated the home side by seven wickets in a low scoring game, contrary to most of the other games played over the weekend.

Two League Cup games saw both Lanercost teams eliminated from the competition. Rockcliffe defeating the 1sts in the Senior Cup by eight wickets and Caldbeck 2nds beating Lanercost 2nds by seven wickets in the Junior Cup.

There were incomplete scoresheets from seven matches submitted to the league this week. Clubs should be aware there are penalties for transgression of the League rule (deduction of points). You have been warned!

PREMIERSHIP

Appleby 271/3. Caldbeck 173. Appleby won by 98 runs.

Braithwaite 153/3. Carlisle 2nds 152/6. Braithwaite won by 7 wickets.

Kirkby Stephen 285/6. Scotby 157/8. Kirkby Stephen won by 128 runs.

Rockcliffe 214/8. Stainton 138. Rockcliffe won by 76 runs.

Threlkeld 168/3. Temple Sowerby 166/9. Threlkeld won by 7 wickets.

DIVISION ONE:

Nunwick 162. Keswick 2nds 139. Nunwick won by 23 runs.

Wetheral 190/7. Wigton 2nds 188. Wetheral won by 2 runs.

Langholm 163/2. Appleby 2nds 162. Langholm won by 8 wickets.

Carlisle 3rds 205/5. Staffield 202/6. Carlisle won by 5 wickets.

DIVISION TWO :

Carleton 292/7. Stainton 150/10. Carleton won by 142 runs.

Edenhall 145/1. Penrith 3rds 144/7. Edenhall won by 9 wickets.

Lanercost 2nds 245/4. Wigton 3rds 66. Lanercost won by 179 runs.

Gamblesby 219/8. Penrith 4ths 142/9. Gamblesby won by 77 runs.

DIVISION THREE:

Irthing Vale 116/3. Keswick 3rds 114. Irthing Vale won by 7 wickets.