Carlisle Cricket Club opener Ben Davidson and Cockermouth man Greg Platten impressed with the bat in Cumberland’s Minor Counties Championship draw against Cambridgeshire.

With the match taking place at Kendal’s Netherfield Cricket Club from Sunday until Tuesday, Davidson, the son of Carlisle secretary Mark, top-scored with 86 in Cumberland’s first innings as former Leicestershire man Jacques du Toit (75) also struck a half-century.

Cockermouth’s stand-in skipper Alex Grainger chipped in with 37, too, which included four boundaries and two sixes, as Cumberland ended their first innings 297 all out.

In reply, Lee Thomason (104 not out) led the way for Cambridgeshire, but Cumberland held a 68-run first-innings lead, dismissing Cambridgeshire for 229.

Gareth Wade (5-72) did most the damage with the ball, supported by Liam Grey (2-49), while Adam Syddall, Mathew Siddall and Toit also claimed a wicket apiece.

Now looking to get into a position where they could force a win, Cumberland’s star man, Toit, scored 101 not out. He was supported by Cockermouth’s Platten who ended on 48 not out, with Cumberland declaring on 236-4.

Grey (4-43) did his best to edge Cumberland towards the victory but a seventh-wicket stand between keeper James Williams (31 not out) and Rob Sayer (44 not out) helped the visitors hold on for a draw.