On the final Saturday of the 2020 league season there were conclusive victories for both the 2nd and 3rd XIs that saw them win their respective EVCL League titles. (Division A & B North).
The 3rd XI won by 106 runs at Lanercost 2, where the visitors batting first, posted an impressive 204-8 from their 40 overs.
Chris Humpleby top scored with 59 and he was supported by Nathan McStay (36) in a 95 run opening partnership, before Eddie Mitchell (34) and Connor Currie (19) chipped in with important contributions. In reply the hosts struggled to 98 all out inside 35 overs as captain Will Bell (4-20) and Harvey Tiffen (3-29) ripped the heart from the Lanercost batting.
At Edenside, Lanercost 1st XI won the toss and elected to bat on a good wicket, but they were soon in trouble against Carlisle 2nd XI as once again young off-spinner Josh Stirling watched a procession of batsmen return bemused to the pavilion.
In another inspired spell of bowling he returned 6 wickets for 6 runs in 5.2 overs, as the visitors were all out for 50 at tea. After the interval, a few hefty blows from Paul Glascott and Charlie Hutchinson took the hosts to a 10 wicket win, and the championship inside three hours.
Carlisle secretary Mark Davidson commented: “As the covers go on and the sun sets on the 2020 season we can only reflect on the cricket that has taken place in this much condensed but entertaining season. There have been many successes, new and exciting talents have emerged and circumstances that have given clubs and league committees opportunities for changes to be implemented in the years ahead.
“To Marc Brown we send our thanks for the leadership over the past few years as he steps down from the 1st XI captaincy. An outstanding record, a five year plan delivered with the Readers Cumbria Premier League Trophy sitting proudly in the pavilion after a 37 year wait, ready to be defended in 2021. Marc’s work rate and enthusiasm have been at the core of the club’s success in recent years and without question we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”
