Eden Valley Cricket League

Last updated 11:45, Thursday, 28 August 2008

AS THE season draws to a close promotion and relegation positions should become clearer, but, in some cases, the weekend results muddied the waters somewhat.

Matters have been nearly sorted at Cockermouth where the two teams disappear from Division One in different directions.

The second team managed a hard fought winning draw against one of their rivals, Carleton, and are now assured of promotion.

The third team’s match epitomised the season, it was cancelled and with it any vague chances of staying in the division.

Carleton’s one point was mirrored by the other contenders, Kirkby Stephen at Shap, but the latter has the edge with games in hand.

Penrith II just about secured the Premiership title at Braithwaite as Caldbeck were unsurprisingly frustrated as their game at Nunwick was cancelled.

Braithwaite’s chances disappeared extremely early in their reply as wickets fell quicker than runs scored.

After eleven overs Jonathan Osborne and Jordan Ruddick took five wickets in eleven overs, conceding one single in the process and that came in the last over.

Bottom-placed Stainton maintained their interest in staying in the division with a comfortable seven wicket win over Staffield.

Threlkeld became the other relegation victims, defeat to Edenside consigned them to Division Three.

Leaders Temple Sowerby rested, second placed Lowther could have put themselves in contention with a win against their own realistic rivals,

Arthuret & Esk. In a low scoring match that was not to be as Lowther capitulated, with their worst batting display of the summer, as they failed by some distance to overcome a modest total.

Similarly, in Division Three, promotion is far from clear after the weekend’s results.

Rockcliffe put their challenge back on track with an easy win against Nunwick whilst third place Lanercost beat leaders Penrith Academy, leaving four points between the three teams.