Cumbria U18s snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their opening Royal London Cup campaign game against Northumberland at Keswick.
Northumberland had claimed the early wicket of Mathew Reed, before Thomas Fox (30) and Evan Williams (49) put on an impressive stand that set the platform for the home side.
Charlie Hutchinson – playing in only his second game for the U18s this season – made an impressive 46 while Scott McGown chipped in at the end of the inns with 34 off 27 balls which included a huge six over long on.
Cumbria posted 242 in their 50 overs, but in reply, Northumberland openers Foreman and Snowdon got them off to a flier, bringing up 100 in only 16 overs.
Young spinners Ollie Rose and Josh Stirling halted the run procession, picking up a wicket each to dismiss the two opening batsmen. Leaving the visitors 120-2 at the halfway point and the game in the balance.
Cumbria continued the fight back through the middle overs, bowling tightly and picking up regular wickets. The turning point in the innings occurred when Regan Jackson came back into the attack from the river end charged in and picked up three quick wickets, including two in one over leaving the opposition 190/6 going into the last ten overs.
Cumbria’s seam bowlers that didn’t quite hit their straps earlier in the innings came back admirably, executing their plan and skills at the death brilliantly conceding less than 30 runs in the remaining overs eventually bowling Northumberland out for 216 to secure the win.
Coach Paul Hindmarch said: “It was a great game of cricket that swung back and forth throughout the day. A big thanks to the Keswick club for all the efforts in hosting the day and producing another excellent wicket.”
Cumbria U18s were due to play Northumberland again the following day but unfortunately the game fell victim to the weather and will now be played later in the month
