A combination of Kendal Calling and the atrocious weather of Saturday put paid to most Eden Valley Cricket League matches over the weekend.

That said, Carlisle Cricket Club's second-team gained just three points for their rained-off game against Rockcliffe - a game they would have expected to win - allowing both Caldbeck and Lanercost the opportunity to increase the pressure on the champions.

Just two Sunday League games survived the weather on Sunday. Langholm's second-team (149/7) defeated Lanercost Colts (82/10) by 67 runs.

Caldbeck Colts (181/7) had the better of a winning draw against Dumfries (160/7).

Matthew Strong (51 not out retired), Phil Richardson (37 not out) and Mike Strong (32 not out) were among the runs. Mat Williams (50 not out retired) and Adam Malik (50 not out retired) were the best for Dumfries, with the home side running out of overs in their chase.

Elsewhere, in a re-arranged Sunday League matches which was played as a T20 game on Friday night, Carlisle's Academy (144-6) beat Caldbeck Colts (140 all out) by four wickets.

Carlisle's Academy then booked their place at the Eden Valley Cricket League Junior Cup finals day on Tuesday night, beating Appleby Eden's second-team in a bowl-off.

With the season drawing to a close, it's worth taking a punt on where the honours and disappointments may fall.

Saturday may see a change at the top in the Premiership. Carlisle's 2nds visit bottom side Wigton's 2nds, with close challengers Caldbeck and Lanercost clashing at Caldbeck.

Carlisle still have to play both of these sides in the next few weeks. I’ll back Carlisle's 2nds.

Wigton's 2nds look doomed as only one team will be relegated. That said, Temple Sowerby face all their remaining fixtures away, with their last two at Wigton and Rockcliffe crucial.

Division One seems a little more straightforward with Appleby Eden in the driving seat. It’s theirs to lose. Patterdale look certain to return to Division Two.

With Keswick's 2nds looking stronger in recent games, Carlisle's 3rds and Wetheral could find themselves dragged into the relegation issue.

Nunwick and Caldbeck 2nds look certain to return to Division One.

Looking at the local scene in general, it's no coincidence the top four clubs in the Premiership have thriving Junior sections and this has to be the way forward if cricket is to, not just survive, but flourish.

We at Appleby resurrected our Junior section as soon as we returned home in June, starting with Years 4 and 5, having had no facilities for the past three seasons.

To emphasise my point, our Under-11s of 2008 features eight of our current first-team squad. I like to think some of our eight and nine year olds will be joining up with them in five or six years’ time.

Clubs not doing so well, such as Temple Sowerby, Wigton and Stainton, will come through with the help of their Juniors. Those without Junior sections are the clubs who will have most to fear.

The feature last week of the Carlisle youngsters doing so well for the county adds weight to my argument that clubs must invest in their Junior sections.

After the World Cup win and the forthcoming Ashes series, interest is high. We must not lose this opportunity.

Wasn’t it great to see England hero Ben Stokes returning to Cockermouth last Saturday? Let’s hope he can make his mark on the Ashes.