Despite the awful weather during the week, the deluge promised for Saturday did not materialise with just a few showers scattered here and there, allowing all but the fixtures at Patterdale, in Eden Valley Cricket League's Division One, and Irthing Vale, in Division Two, to proceed.

Credit to all those groundsmen in managing to get their grounds in reasonable condition. Sunday’s fixtures, however, suffered a total washout.

Premiership leaders Carlisle 2nds managed a 20-over game at Threlkeld, winning comfortably by nine wickets. 

Threlkeld (124/9) owed much to Gary Stewardson (52 not out) as they struggled against Jordan Oultram (3/38) and the left-arm spin of Johnny Westgarth (5/11), including a hat-trick in a four wickets in four balls over. 

The 17-year-old is part of an ever-growing number of young spinners in the league. Carlisle (127/1) eased to victory with Oultram (56 not out) and Paul Glascott (55 not out).

Scotby (91/7) played out an exciting tied match with Rockcliffe (91/10) in another reduced overs game. Andy Crellen (31) top-scored for Scotby, with Ashley Wills (4/25) Rockcliffe’s best bowler. 

William Wharton (36) led the reply but his dismissal signalled a late collapse as Olly Driver (4/17) took charge; however, it was Peter Gower Jnr who took the last vital wicket with a ball to spare.

Wigton 2nds (132/4) kept their hopes of staying up alive with a six-wicket victory over 10-man Lanercost (128/9).

Jonathan Robley (53) top-scored for the visitors. James Holyoake (45 not out) took Wigton to victory with a spate of boundaries.

Kirkby Stephen (201/6) managed a point against local rivals Temple Sowerby (251/6) in a high-scoring game at Hills Bottom. Darren Lightburn (73), James Nicholson (55) and Adrian Thompson (52) scoring the bulk of their runs.

In reply, Chris Scarr (119 not out) and Will Morland (54) put on 170 for the first wicket but, with all the fielders on the boundary edge for the last 15 overs, the incoming batsmen found it impossible to hit the fence as required. 

Michael Swindle (5/31) took full advantage but it was James Farmer (1/22) from his 10 overs who proved the most difficult to score against.

The Premiership is now set up for an exciting end to the season at both top and bottom. 

Is it too much to expect some decent weather to see it through?

In the First Division, Appleby Eden beat Keswick 2nds by 137 runs but not without some early scares. 

At 11/4, the home side were in some difficulty but Josh Brabbins (80) and Morgan Fothergill (65) rescued the innings, allowing Adam Knowles (34 not out) and Carl Hodder (27 not out) to thrash the last five overs and take them to (246/7). 

Keith Richardson (3/29) was the bowler making early inroads. 

Keswick (109/10) never threatened, although Paul Ireland (49) did his best. All seven Appleby Eden bowlers shared the wickets. Ryan Davidson (2/9) from 10 overs outstanding.

In the only other game played in this division, Langholm (137/10) beat Stainton (84/9) by 53 runs.

Nicky Piszczykiewicz (45), Tony Steele (36) and Dave Steele (29 not out) scoring most of the runs. Ed Tallis (4/30) was best of the Stainton bowlers. 

Stainton’s reply owed much to Scott Lancaster (43) as Steven Johnstone (4/12) and the Steele brothers, with two apiece, ran through the rest.

Langholm’s game on Sunday against Carlisle 3rds was a casualty of the weather.

With forthcoming fixtures seeing Edenhall, Staffield and Langholm clashing with each other, one win from their remaining three games will ensure Appleby Eden promotion. 

At the bottom, Keswick 2nds need wins if they are to avoid dropping down to Division Two with Patterdale already relegated after their home game was rained off.

In Division Two, Gamblesby (99/8) sneaked home by one wicket in a low-scoring game against Lanercost 2nds (98/9). Sam Wright (35), batting at No.9, top-scored for the home side. 

Steven Hodgson (3/28) was best of the bowlers. 

Darren Coleman (29) and John Forrester (26 not out) saw Gamblesby home. Wright (5/25) had a fine all-round match.

Nunwick beat Kirkby Stephen 2nds but no details are available.

All Sunday League games were cancelled due to the weather.