The competitive nature of the Eden Valley Cricket League was epitomised on Saturday with just one outright winner in the Premiership as the other games ended in draws with Scotby, Temple Sowerby and Threlkeld gaining an invaluable point apiece.

In a reduced overs match at Caldbeck, the home side, asked to bat first, ended their innings on 204/5. Steven Blake (52) and Rob Benn (92) led the way in an opening stand of 138 before a quick-fire Scott Wetherell (34) knock.

Wigton’s 2nds (105/10) lost early wickets with only James Holyoake (30) and Stephen Murdoch (20) offering much resistance. Callum Donald (2/7) doing the early damage.

Leaders Carlisle 2nds (137/8), with Paul Glascott (35) and skipper Olly Bradley (29 not out), managed enough to deny Scotby after Olly Driver (5/38) and Dan Swann (3/18) had kept Carlisle on the back foot. Driver (64) then became the only batsman into double figures as Scotby (103/9) hung on for a point. Tom Lydiate (5/20) was best with the ball.

There was a similar result at Threlkeld against Kirkby Stephen but in vastly different circumstances.

Batting first, Kirkby Stephen (292/10) with big hitters Scott Allison (75), Phil Hunter (66) and Charlie Bowman (35) hitting 20 sixes between them, Joss Warren (45) equally valuable but more sedate. Threlkeld’s reply had looked threatening at 212/4 with John Phillips (74), Ben Jefferson (57) and Stu Davenport (47) but wickets tumbled as the home side closed on 234/8 to earn a point. Bowman (4/55) for the visitors.

Lanercost (179/6), with Craig Foster (50) and Jonathan Robley (30), proved just too strong for the home side against Temple Sowerby (150/9).

In Division One, leaders Staffield continued their good run, highlighted by an outstanding all-round performance from Steven Thomlinson.

Batting first, Staffield (169/4) with, Thomlinson (75) supported by Peter Armstrong (35) and Chris Tuer (22), posted a competitive total. Carleton (120/10) made a good start with Alex Smith (33) and Ben Greig (32) at the top of the innings. Thereafter, only Shaun McDermott (29) offered anything as Thomlinson (5/30) and Tuer (3/8), handing over the gloves, demolished the rest of the Carleton batting.

Edenhall kept in touch at the top with a six-wicket win over lowly Patterdale.

Appleby Eden (154/4), in their last game before their long-awaited return home, came away from Stainton, with a six-wicket victory. Stainton (153/8) with Ed Tallis (59) top-scoring. Simon Palmer (3/40) best of some indifferent Appleby bowling, setting a stiff target.

The loss of early wickets added to the pressure but Terry Askew (50) and Ryan Davidson (51), using all their experience, ensured the win.

Keswick’s 2nds recorded their second win of the season, beating Wetheral by 87 runs.

In Division Two, runaway leaders Nunwick hammered neighbours Gamblesby by 146 runs, while Penrith 3rds (105/10) enjoyed their first win of the season at Braithwaite (60/10). Elsewhere, Kirkby Stephen 2nds (133/10) ran out comfortable winners, beating Irthing Vale by 85 runs, and Temple Sowerby 2nds conceded their home game against Caldbeck 2nds.

Meanwhile, in the Sunday League, there were wins for Langholm’s 2nds, Dumfries and Stainton 2nds.