True to form, the Cumbrian weather dealt a massive blow to the start of the Eden Valley Cricket League season with a complete washout on Saturday.

Of the 12 scheduled matches, seven were cancelled with five getting a start but losing out to the weather eventually.

Caldbeck entertained Kirkby Stephen in the one game that nearly finished, with Kirkby frustrated on the verge of victory. In a reduced overs game to 20 overs, Kirkby (121/8) were led by Scott Allinson (44) and Phil Hunter (22); Phil Richardson (3/25) best of the bowlers.

A total of 121 at Caldbeck is not an imposing total but Chris Scarr (2/7) off five, Rob Hook (2/21), backed up by youngsters, Josh Warren (2/12) and Ross Jackson (1/4) had Caldbeck (58/8) and on the ropes when the rain came with six overs remaining.

Elsewhere, Scotby (14/0) against Temple Sowerby lasted just four overs. Likewise, Threlkeld (16/2) versus Rockcliffe was abandoned with one ball of the sixth over remaining.

There was a similar scenario in Division One.

Relegated Stainton and Staffield met at the Stainton Rec. Stainton (138/7), put into bat, owed much to Thomas Graham (30 not out) and Ed Tallis (25 not out) with an unbroken stand of 60 for the eighth wicket. Earlier, Scott Lancaster (31), returning home after a season at Staffield, holding things together; Steve Thomlinson (3/42), Robbie O’Neill (2/14) best with the ball. But the deluge at the tea interval put paid to any further play.

Wetheral versus Carleton (28/1) lasted just 11 overs while Edenhall versus Appleby and Patterdale versus Carlisle’s 3rds didn’t get a start.

The whole of the Division Two programme was a complete washout. But the Sunday League programme did see all four games completed.

Appleby’s 2nds (34/1) comprehensively beat a young Langholm 2nds team (30/10). Langholm’s early batting line-up were destroyed by George Winder (8-3-11-6) swinging the ball, prodigiously backed up by Bobby Atkinson (2/9); Stuart Duggan (11) the only batsman with double figures. Appleby winning in the ninth over.

Keswick’s 3rds were beaten by Carlisle’s Academy (89/2) by eight wickets. Keswick undone by Johnny Westgarth (4/11) and debutant Archie Richardson (4/14). Jim Mclinden (32) and Will Clark (26) saw Carlisle home.

Caldbeck Colts (158/9) beat Wigton’s 3rds (145/10) in a close game; Steven Blake (45) best with the bat. George Johnston (62) led the Wigton reply but Max Witham (5/17) finished the innings off after removing Johnston.

A close, low-scoring, game at Stainton, saw the home side beat Dumfries by one wicket.