Whitehaven earned their first win of the season on Bank Holiday Monday when they beat Cleator in the Higson Cup.
Victory was achieved against an under-strength Cleator side largely through the efforts of former Keswick pro Geeth Kumara and 21-year-old leg-spinner Lewis Keeler.
Kumara, now pro with Colne in the Lancashire League, after ten years at Keswick was brought in by Whitehaven as a sub pro to good effect.
Put in to bat Whitehaven were 19-2 when Kumara arrived at the crease and when he was out for 61 he had helped guide the side to 178-9.
The Sri Lankan had excellent support at various times from Chase Young (29), Nathan Carmichael (22) and Andrew Cameron (21).
Whitehaven reached 190-9 in their 45 overs with Cameron Bell (2-16), Doug Hughes (2-49) and Tom Sharpem(2-55) the most successful bowlers for Cleator.
The new professional for Cleator, Kasun Madushanka bowled nine overs and took 1-30 on his debut.
Although Cleator got to 40 without loss, they had lost half the side for 67 and were eventually bowled out for 109 in 39 overs.
Keeler, a former Cumbria Under-17’s bowler, took 5-23 from his nine overs of leg spin while Kumara chipped-on with 3-12 from six.
