Cumberland completed their first victory of the season in their final game at Luton against Bedfordshire.

But it was a close-run thing - not because the home county provided major problems, but because of the threatrening weather.

Although only 129 were needed for victory Cumberland had to move smartly because of the threat of rain.

They had been going sedately in pursuit of their target when the rain clouds started to appear so there was more urgency about the batting and they eventually reached 129-2 off 48 overs to wrap-up 24 points.

James Lowe followed-up his 80 in the first innings with 62 while fellow opener Paul Johnson scored an unbeaten 50

On the final day Cumberland had bowled-out their hosts  for 321, leaving them with 129 needed for victory.

On the second day Cumberland had taken their overnight score of 200-3 to 379 before they were bowled-out, giving them a first innings lead of 193.

Morecambe wicket-keeper Ikram Ullah (bat raised above on right) top-scored with 110 and received good middle order support from Gary Pratt (54) and Jams Smith (28).

Earlier Lowe (80), Johnson (49) and Jonathan Miles (35) had taken Cumberland past the Bedfordshire total.

When Bedfordshire batted again their mainstay was Ollie Clayson (88), a former Cumberland player while he was based in Preston.

Precocious 16-year-old James Kettleborough weighed in with 45 while Ollie Swann (28), Will Sneath (27no) and Andy Roberts (25) gave most support.

Smith was Cumberland’s most successful bowler, taking 4-53 from 21 overs while skipper Marcus Sharp had 3-45 from his 17.3 overs.

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