The glorious weekend brought results which highlighted the promotion and relegation issues in all divisions of the Eden Valley Cricket League. 

Typically, the forthcoming weekend forecast suggests another washout. Let’s hope they’ve got it wrong.

In the Premiership, Caldbeck’s thrashing of Temple Sowerby took them to within a point of Carlisle's 2nds but with a game in hand.

Temple Sowerby (42/10) were undone early by Kevin Pattinson (2/14) and Jack Proudlock (2/8), with Matthew Strong (4/5) taking care of the rest. Caldbeck (45/3) took just 8.3 overs to complete the job.

Wigton 2nds (180/5) came out on top in the match at Rockcliffe.

Tom Fleming (86 not out) and Josh Dixon (47) led the way. Rockcliffe (151/8) featured some solid performances, John Wharton (31) and Robert Wharton (30), but no-one able to kick on.

Threlkeld (119/6) beat Lanercost (118/8) by four wickets at the Priory, Lawrence Baldwin (41) top-scoring for the home side. Gary Stewardson (4/6) was the outstanding bowler for Threlkeld.

Jamie Lihou (52 not out) led the visitor’s reply. Chris Blagdon (4/40) did his best for Lanercost.

These results have thrown both the top and bottom issues into the melting pot, particularly at the bottom with six points separating Wigton (29), Temple Sowerby (33) and Rockcliffe (35).

Wigton 2nds host Temple Sowerby with Rockcliffe at home to Lanercost this weekend. Temple Sowerby visit Rockcliffe on the last day, with Wigton 2nds facing a tricky visit to Scotby. All to play for.

In Division One, Appleby Eden were unable to clinch promotion after their game at Carleton was cancelled due to a very wet ground. They received a boost, though, with near challengers Edenhall and Staffield losing their games.

Staffield (155/4), with Peter Armstrong (70) and Richard Bamber (61), posted a competitive total. Keith Richardson (0/18) was the only bowler without a wicket but economically the best.

Keswick (157/9) started badly. A belligerent Joe Grisdale (37) got them back in it. Jerry Turnbull (29) - another promising young spin bowler too - kept them on track.

But his dismissal brought the intrepid Richardson to the crease to join 13-year-old Matthew Loan. Nineteen required!

Eight-man Staffield desperately trying to fill the gaps, not helping their cause by dropping several chances. Slowly, the target reduced as the old master guided his young partner through to the penultimate over. A single by Matthew, brought the scores level before Richardson (16 not out) struck the winning run.

Keswick’s vital win was nullified to a degree with Carlisle 3rds (75/4) beating an under-strength Wetheral (71/10) by six wickets.

Bryan Garnett (38 not out) carried his bat, the only one able to cope with the strengthened bowling attack of Jordan Oultram (2-2-0-5). Carlisle (75/4) winning comfortably with Nathan McStay (38) top-scoring.

On Sunday, Langholm (109/9) won a close, low-scoring game against Edenhall (108/4).

Matthew Wilson made an unbeaten 51, Bailey Donaldson taking 3/21. Stuart Duggan (26 not out) guided Langholm home.

Andrew Gate (4/30), supported by Jamie Armstrong (1/19) from his 10 overs doing the best with the ball as Edenhall just failed to defend their score.

Stainton (69/5) beat Patterdale (66/10) by five wickets.

Martin Ruddick, with another remarkable spell (10-8-2-3), took the early wickets with Jude Hodson (6/32) mopping up. Old heads Adam Jakeman (26) and Scott Lancaster (28 not out) saw Stainton home.

Appleby Eden need four points to ensure promotion with Langholm. Keswick 2nds have given themselves a chance of escaping at the bottom with Wetheral sliding into the bottom three.

In Division Two, the top-of-the-table clash went the way of Caldbeck 2nds (107/5), beating Nunwick (106/10) by five wickets to move to the top.

James Tweedie (40) top-scored for Nunwick with Craig Pattinson (4/32), Christopher Hellon (3/15) and Richard Woods (2/18) doing the damage. Caldbeck’s reply faltered until Hellon (44) and young Elliot Blake (18 not out) got them home.

Braithwaite (68/4) beat Lanercost 2nds (67/10) by six wickets.

Nick Leigh (30 not out) carried his bat and Sam Wright (29) scored the bulk of the runs. Six ducks in the innings. Lee Zaninetti (4/10) did most damage.

Andrew Pepper (37 not out) saw Braithwaite home. Nick Leigh (3/14) was the best of the bowlers.

The Sunday League saw Appleby Eden 2nds (257/10) beat Caldbeck Colts (135/9) by 122 runs, Shane Barden making 85 and Jack Hutt 55 not out. Scott Wetherall (3/49) was best with the ball. 

Scott Wetherall (48) top-scored for the home side with Appleby Eden using 10 bowlers. Ross Parkin took 3/16.

Lanercost Colts (182/8) played an excellent drawn game against Keswick 3rds (173/9).

Jonathan Robley retired not out on 50, Ollie Allen made 41, with Jamie D’Leny taking 4/1. In reply, Keswick relied on Karl Link (47) and Oscar Link (43 not out) in getting them close.

* The Junior Cup finals day at Rockcliffe went the way of Caldbeck 2nds to complete the cup double for the club.

Carlisle's Academy (122/7) beat a depleted Carleton (82/7) by 40 runs in their semi-final. Nathan McStay (53) top-scored. Jim Litherland (3/22) was the best of the bowlers. Carleton never threatened in their reply.

Caldbeck 2nds (90/2) eased past Lanercost 2nds (88/6) in the other semi-final with Ben Tickle (41) top-scoring.

In the final, Caldbeck 2nds set an imposing (155/3) with Daniel Bargh (41), Ben Tickle (31) and Steve Percival (33 not out).

Carlisle (113/9) were always struggling despite a brave knock by Will Clark (47). The experienced Kevin Pattinson (3/5) proved most difficult to score off as Caldbeck 2nds rounded off a great weekend for them.