Despite the atrocious weather over the week-end two games were played in the Eden Valley League.

In Division One Culgaith won at Wigton seconds while the other game was in Division Three where Lanercost thirds saw off their visitors Irthing Vale.

It was putting it down pretty heavily at Wigton but both teams decided to just get on with it and play through the rain.

One of the Wigton fielders Craig Stephens wears spectacles so he had to field with his back to the wind and rain throughout the Culgaith reply. That apparently didn’t go down quite so well with team-mate Richard Mattinson who had to face the elements more than he would have expected.

Wigton were bowled out for 88 as Adrian Robson (3-14) and Nicky Scaife (2-5) enjoyed the conditions better than the batsmen.

Culgaith reached 90-2 in 18.3 overs with David Spruce leading the way on 42.

It was a cold, blustery and generally miserable day at Lanercost and the first decision was to play on the artificial wicket or the real pitch.

The latter was the verdict and with the home side winning the toss they promptly inserted Vale on a firm, yet moist track.

Pace and carry were good, with plenty of lateral movement to interest the bowlers.

An unbeaten half century stand between captain Duncan Miller (59no) and young John Taylor (18no) saw them to a total of 122-7 which they may have defended with good bowling and some good fortune.

Despite losing two quick wickets and scoring freely from the edge of the bat – you’ve paid for them, so you might as well use them - Lanercost’s reply was comfortable with Manish Saxena (53) and Dougie Hope (56no) being destructive with the bat as they had been awkward with the ball. Both had taken a couple of wickets.

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