Carlisle are struggling to find a sub pro for their big game in the Cumbria League’s Premier Division on Saturday.
Michael Slack is still recovering from a broken toe and booking a replacement for the trip to Furness is proving very difficult.
For last week’s game against Wigton the League leaders employed South African Travis Townsend who hit 47 not out in an eight wicket win.
Secretary Mark Davidson said: “We are making last gasp attempts to recruit a sub pro but it’s beginning to look more and more unlikely.
“It’s a big game as well against the reigning champions who will be tough opposition.”
Furness are lying fourth, some 25 points behind Carlisle, with just six games left.
But they are capable of throwing spanners in a few works and it is a crucial game in the final run-in.
Furness have the League’s top run scorer in Nathan Waterston and if he scores 24 he will be the first batsman to reach the magic 1,000 figure this season.
He has a highest score of 151 not out and has a current average of 108.44.
The injured Slack is third on runs scored with 641 while Carlisle have three other batsmen in the top 20 – Ben Davidson, Tom Benn and Marc Brown.
Carlisle’s main rivals for the title – Cockermouth and Keswick – both have games against sides in the bottom four.
Cockermouth entertain Dalton, who only have Whitehaven below them while Keswick visit fourth-bottom Egremont.
To be fair to Egremont, though, they have collected a recent double over Haverigg which has put them within touching distance of being safe from relegation.
The big game at the bottom will be at the Playground where Whitehaven entertain Haverigg.
If they are to avoid the drop Whitehaven must win this one to give themselves a chance over the closing fixtures.
Wigton are at home to Millom while Workington entertain Cleator.
