Carlisle Cricket Club are set to enter the final round of qualifying games level with Keswick as the Lukeys Sports Cumbria North East Premier Division group reaches a competitive final tomorrow.

Carlisle face Penrith at Edenside on Saturday in the knowledge that another win is essential if they are to overtake Keswick at the top of the qualifying group and claim a place in the semi-finals. Carlisle's skipper Marc Brown led Carlisle in a powerful performance last Saturday when they defeated Wigton on their home turf of Lowmoor Road.

The score was ultimately calculated after rain intervened at in a match reduced to 30 overs. Visitors were invited to bat in challenging weather conditions after Wigton won an important toss. After the early loss of their skipper, Michael Slack and Ben Davidson worked to steady the innings. Slack racked up 63 runs not out and Davidson eventually fell to Wigton's most accomplished bowler Nico Watt (2 for 36) after making 25 runs. Which brought Paul Hindmarch to the crease. Hindmarch hit an outstanding 62 from only 31 balls faced in an innings that saw him clear the ropes on nine occasions.

Carlisle closed with an imposing 172 for four on the scoreboard as rain threatened. As conditions deteriorated the home side couldn’t achieve the target set, finishing on 74 for 4 from 17.5 overs. Umpires eventually took the players from the field with Fraser Conn once again returning outstanding figures of 3 for 16 from 6 overs. Play commences from 12.30pm at Edenside tomorrow in another coloured clothing match which promises to be competitive.

Meanwhile, Keswick will host Wigton at Fitz Park.

Carlisle's three other teams will play away on Saturday with the Second Team facing Wetheral's First Team in the EVCL North Division A.

The Third Team faces Carleton's First in the EVCL North Division B.

Carlisle Cricket Club secretary Mark Davidson said: "This competition has proved a real hit with clubs across the county and served up entertaining cricket in this vastly reduced season. It’s hoped that the league can incorporate a short format competition into the full season from 2021."