Last updated at 11:49, Friday, 29 June 2012

Underdogs Carlisle produced a fine display to beat Furness by six runs and book a County Cup semi-final place – now they are hoping to maintain that sparkling form in their league campaign.

Alex Raybould

Put in to bat, Carlisle scored 125-8 off their allotted 30 overs, captain Alex Raybould hitting 73 off 84 balls. In reply, Furness stalled on 119-8, thanks in part to Carlisle pro Saliya Saman, who took 3-18.

“Alex Raybould’s was a good knock as it wasn’t the easiest of wickets to bat on,” said secretary Dick Scott. “The overs were reduced because of the conditions, and he was the only person to get 50. He batted well and it’s what we expect of him. He is certainly one of our better players and likes to give it a bit of biff, and it came off here.

“Obviously, we want to transfer the cup form in to the league programme, to get us a bit further up the table. We have struggled this season with availability and have not had the same side for two consecutive weeks.

“It hasn’t helped our situation, but people will want to play in the semi-final, so hopefully they will be available for that.”

Carlisle lie eighth in the Premier Division table, 14 points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s visit of Haverigg, who are just two points adrift.

“Our last two Saturdays have been called off without a ball being bowled, and the week before that was also rain-affected,” Scott said.

“It has affected us badly, though I know it affects everyone.”

First published at 11:29, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk