A third of the way through the Eden Valley Cricket League programme and only in Division Three, where Kirkby Stephen seconds have opened a large gap, is there a clear leader.

All other divisions are proving highly competitive with just about every team capable of beating each other and close games prevailing throughout.

In the Premier Division, leaders Braithwaite were comprehensively beaten by Kirkby Stephen.

Braithwaite’s 108/5 (Lee Zaninetti 38) was never going to be enough, even with the loss of both Kirkby openers before a run had been scored.

Sam Bell (64) lead the way as Kirkby won by seven wickets.

Carlisle seconds and Caldbeck had a thriller at Edenside. Caldbeck scored an impressive 174/7 with Steven Blake (80), back on home ground, the leading scorer.

Carlisle seconds (175/6) in reply, reached their target with three balls remaining. Alex Blaylock (80) and Jordan Oultram (49) lead the way.

Another close game at Wetheral (Scotby’s temporary home) saw visitors Stainton winning with just one ball remaining.

Scotby scored 163/8 with Luke Jackman (53), Andy Crellan (41) and Dan Swann (43) scoring the bulk of the runs; Scott Lancaster (4/28) the pick of the bowlers.

Dean Johnston (71) anchored the reply for Stainton.

Temple Sowerby were asked to bat first against Rockcliffe and totalled 169/8. In-form skipper, Alister Craig (74) and Steve Hodgson (34) top scored.

In reply, Rockcliffe (170/6) batted solidly with most of them contributing to their winning score, Jonathan Musgrave (41 not out) and Andrew Whinn (33) top-scoring.

In Division One, Langholm hammered leaders Lanercost by 122 runs.

A solid all-round batting performance from Langholm saw them total 227/6 with Duncan Elliot (59) hitting the top score.

Lanercost’s reply stuttered to 105 all out. Jack Pool (3/12), David Steele (3/19) were best of the bowlers.

Wigton seconds (180/9) put together their best score for some time. Tony Ward (42), Callum Dodd (41), Mark Vasey (4/30) in the wickets again Staffield’s powerful top order batting took them to victory with Tony Threlkeld (63 not out), Steven Thomlinson (43).

Appleby seconds returned to action against Keswick seconds at Culgaith. Appleby (148/9) suffered a middle-order collapse with Jordan Palmer (37) top-scoring, Oscar Link (5/36) best of the bowlers.

Keswick (154/6) reached their target comfortably with Joe Grisedale (50), Andrew Lightfoot (3/19).

Carleton’s 190/8 saw many contributing, Ben Greig (47) top score when they visited Gamblesby.

The hosts, in reply, reached their target with five overs left; Steven Hodgson (49) top score.

Stainton had a winning draw at home against Penrith fourths.

Stainton (240/4) with Dan Fawcett (111 not out) and Ed Tallis (69); Penrith fourths closing on 203/7.

Patterdale enjoyed a 58-run victory over Carlisle fourths.

Batting first, they totalled 169/9; Sam Taylforth (39) top score. The youthful Carlisle fourths were dismissed for 111.

Sunday’s games saw wins for Penrith thirds at Caldbeck by 33 runs.

Lanercost seconds at Wigton, Keswick thirds overcame Irthing Vale (150/6) by 3 wickets.

Kirkby Stephen (181/9) had a winning draw at Temple Sowerby. Julian Cann (60) leading the way. In reply Temple Sowerby (141/9) held on to earn a point; Ian Cousin (6/18) from his 10 overs.

RESULTS

PREMIER LEAGUE

Braithwaite 108/5. Kirkby Stephen 109/3. Kirkby Stephen won by 7 wickets.

Carlisle 2nds 175/6. Caldbeck174/7. Carlisle 2nds won by 4 wickets.

Scotby 163/8. Stainton 164/6. Stainton won by 4 wickets.

Temple Sowerby169/8. Rockcliffe170/6. Rockcliffe won by 4 wickets.

DIVISION ONE

Appleby Eden 2nds 148/9. Keswick2nds 154/6. Keswick won by 4 wickets.

Langholm 227/6. Lanercost 105/10. Langholm won by 122 runs.

Nunwick 168/7. Wetheral 164/8. Winning draw to Nunwick.

Wigton 2nds 180/9. Staffield 181/3. Staffield won by 7 wickets.

DIVISION TWO

Gamblesby 191. Carleton 190/8. Gamblesby won by 5 wickets.

Stainton 2nds 240/4. Penrith 4ths 203/7. Stainton won by 37 runs.

Caldbeck 2nds 108/10. Penrith 3rds 141/10. Penrith 3rds won by 33 runs.

Wigton 3rds 116/9. Lanercost2nds 212/9. Lanercost won by 96 runs.

DIVISION THREE

Patterdale 169/9. Carlisle 4ths 111/10. Patterdale won by 58 runs.

Keswick 3rds 155/7. Irthing Vale 150/6. Keswck 3rds won by 3 wickets.

Temple Sowerby 2nds 141/9. Kirkby Stephen 2nds 181/9. Winning draw to Kirkby Stephen.

JUNIOR CUP

Edenhall 101/1. Carlisle 4ths 97/9. Edenhall won by 9 wickets.