Eden Valley Cricket By Patrick Hill

Last updated 09:59, Friday, 02 May 2008

PENRITH Academy big-hitter Mark Cameron began the new Eden Valley Cricket season with a bang, smashing 131 as his side went top of Division Three by beating Caldbeck Seconds by 163 runs.

Cameron's century - the league's first this season - helped the Academy set a target of 251-8. Caldbeck were dismissed for 88 in 27 overs.

Wigton Seconds ace Richard Mattinson recorded 3-8 and was his side's top batsman with 27 - but he still ended up on the losing side.

Carleton batsman Richard Bamber hit 87 as his side went top of Division One before bowling the Division One newcomers all-out with the penultimate ball of the match.

The visitors set a target of 172-6 before Wigton Seconds failed to hang on after hitting 118.

Lowther ace Dave Ryding struck 75 away at Temple Sowerby - but still ended up a six-wicket loser. He was unfortunate his impressive knock didn't help his side to an unlikely win, after Division Two's league leaders set a target of 184-4, Carl Hinckley hitting 74.

John Ridley hit an unbeaten 66 for Penrith Seconds as they recorded a winning draw over Caldbeck Firsts. The visitors fell short with a target of 176-5, Steve Watson hitting 63, after Premier Division rivals Penrith had set a 184-6 target.

Scotby ace Andrew Jefferson hit a half-century to help his side go top of the Premier Division after a seven-wicket win away at Edenhall. His knock of 59 helped his side to victory in 32.5 overs after the hosts set a 145-7 target, Phil Holliday hitting 57.

Wigton Thirds ace Stuart Varty hit a half-century and took three wickets as his side drew with Divison Three rivals Penrith Academy. The hosts were dismissed for 154 in 35.3 overs before Penrith batted out their innings to end on 125-8.

Kirkby Stephen had hit 109-4 in 30.4 overs against Cockermouth Seconds before the match was abandoned.

While Penrith Thirds recorded a winning draw over Wetheral. Penrith were dismissed for 164 in 34.1 overs before Wetheral batted their innings out to end on 148-8.

Eleven games were called-off across the four divisions on a rain-hit weekend, including Carlisle Seconds v Nunwick Firsts, Braithwaite v Stainton Firsts, Appleby Seconds v Staffield, Kirkby Stephen v Cockermouth Seconds, Shap v Baggrow Firsts, Dentonholme v Culgaith, Edenside Thirds v Great Corby, Appleby Thirds v Patterdale, Arthuret & Esk v Threlkeld, Baggrow Seconds v Lanercost Seconds and Irthing Vale Seconds v Rockcliffe.

PREMIER DIVISION: Edenhall 145-7 (40 overs) lost to Scotby 146-3 (32.5 overs) by seven wickets; Penrith Seconds 184-6 (40 overs) drew with Caldbeck Firsts 176-5 (40 overs); Carlisle Seconds v Nunwick Firsts ground unfit; Braithwaite v Stainton ground unfit; Appleby Seconds v Staffield ground unfit.

DIVISION ONE: Wigton Seconds 118 (39.5 overs) lst by four wickets to Carleton 172-6 (40 overs); Kirkby Stephen 109-4 (30.4 overs) stopped by rain against Cockermouth Seconds; Shap v Baggrow rained-off; Dentonholme v Culgaith rained-off.

DIVISION TWO: Temple Sowerby 184-4 (40 overs) bt Lowther 182 (36 overs) by six wickets; Penrith Thirds 164 (34.1 overs) winning draw v Wetheral 148-8 (40 overs); Edenside Thirds v Great Corby rained-off; Appleby Thirds v Patterdale rained-off; Arthuret & Esk v Threlkeld rained-off.

DIVISION THREE: Penrith Academy 251-8 (40 overs) bt Caldbeck Seconds 88 (27 overs); Wigton Thirds 154 (35.3 overs) drew with Penrith Wanderers 125-8 (40 overs); Baggrow Seconds v Lanercost Seconds rained-off; Irthing Vale Seconds v Rockcliffe rained-off.