Whitehaven Past taking on Whitehaven Present should have been played at the end of May as Whitehaven CC celebrated its bicentenary but was postponed due to the terrible weather.
It has now been fitted into the calendar and proved a really enthralling contest with the current team just edging out their veteran opponents by one run.
Paul Nelson captained the Past team who fielded first and the Present team scored 134 with Billy Thompson 30 retired, Liam Campbell 30 and Howard Carpenter 17. Willie Reid claimed 3- 12 and Nick Elliot 2-1.
In reply Nelson posted 17 as did Ardash Biju, and it was left to all-rounder Elliot with a big hitting 28, accompanied by Raghav Kurkhal, to almost bring the veterans home but they faltered one run short on 133.
Thompson, Ben Cavaghan, Kian Larmour and Harry Keeler all took wickets but the stand out performer was young Ellis Dixon with 4-12 including the prized wicket of his sad Wayne.
A great evening was enjoyed on and off the field with many seeing former teammates for the first time in many years. The ground was in magnificent condition thanks to Ray Armstrong and his ground team. The club would also like to thank Paul Nelson with his help in the organisation and supplying the Past Teams kit.
Past: Paul Nelson, Will Starkey, Dave Norcross, Conor Edwards, Ray Armstrong, Ross Dawson, Charlie Minshaw, Wayne Dixon, Nick Elliot, Willie Reid, Ardash Biju and Raghav Kurkhal.
Present: Matty Harrison, Kian Larmour, Billy Thompson, Ben Cavaghan, Ellis Dixon, Howard Carpenter, Harley Bowness, Harry Keeler, Scott Foster and Liam Campbell.
Meanwhile in League cricket Whitehaven 2nds are bottom of the Cumbria League’s First Division after losing by six wickets to the leaders Seascale,
Haven batted first and scored 156 led by skipper Adam McGarry (41), Howard Carpenter (31) and Matthew Branthwaite (27). Reece Robinson took 5-47 for the visitors.
In reply Seascale reached their target for the loss of four wickets, propelled to victory by skipper Adam Brown (41no), Jack Barwise (33no), Luke Birdsall (31) and Jack Johnson (20).
Highlight for Whitehaven was exciting prospect 12-year-old Harry Keeler taking three wickets on debut, emulating his elder brother Lewis who claimed three wickets for the first team at Keswick.
Lewis has had a breakthrough season in the Premier Division and has been selected for the County Development squad. The Whitehaven club is sure that Harry will also make a similar mark on the game.
