Young batters and bowlers in the thick of it in season finale.

A superb 37 from young wicket keeper batsman, Paddy Muldoon underpinned what proved to be a competitive total for Carlisle Academy against Lanercost IIs at Edenside in Eden Valley division three.

Asked to bat first on a wet pitch, Carlisle were in serious early trouble, but Paddy, batting at 5, added in excess of 50 with Adam Tiffen (25) to resurrect the innings which finished on 113 all out.

The visitors – who’d already guaranteed the league title – lost early wickets themselves to the bowling of Steve Barker and Harvey Tiffen, but scraped home seven down after Luke Graham snatched two late scalps to encourage hopes of a dramatic home win.

Catches from Adam Brown and a dynamic fielding performance all round demonstrated the promise of a very young side which will only improve with time in senior cricket.

Plans for an innovative close season of winter coaching are already being drawn up to give these superb young cricketers a head start when the game begins again next April.

Well done to captain Anthony Wilson for leading the club’s development team throughout a more than satisfactory summer.

Well done everyone and have a great break.