The annual challenge match between Cumbria Under 17’s and the XL Club (North West) was played at Keswick CC.

Team selection for the Under-17’s proved very difficult with 17 of the 24 players who attended winter nets sessions being unavailable owing to exams.

However it gave the opportunity for some of the fringe players to show what they were capable of. 

The XL Club won the toss and elected to bat in variable weather conditions bright then dull, warm then cold. 

The Under-17’s took the opportunity to use seven bowlers while Dave Stubbings dominated the XL Club batting scoring an excellent 71.  He was ably supported by Steve Dalby 28.
 
The XL Club had reached 140-8 after their allotted 40 overs and the main wicket takers were Liam Curwen (3-9) and Jack Cumberbatch (2-32).
 
In previous matches between the two sides the scourge of Cumbrian batsmen has been the veteran ex professional Keith Roscoe (Rawtenstall) who has taken over 1,100 Lancashire League wickets and that proved to be the case once again.

The Cumbrian innings closed in the 40th over at 123 with good contributions from James Rogers (32), Chris Savage (24) and Jordan Hughes (19).

Roscoe returned the outstanding figures of 17.1-2-41-9, but facing a bowler of his ability and experience is a good learning curve for the young batsmen.
 
The Under-17’s next match is against another experienced and talented side, MCC at Netherfield CC on Friday 4 June.
 

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