Gomersall in fine form on return to side.

Carlisle were indebted to batsmen Daniel Gomersall and Justin Greaves as they secured a five-wicket win over Keswick at Edenside.

Gomersall, returning to the side from university, made a by turns composed and thrilling 90, while Greaves oozed class in a 50 that took his team to the brink of victory as Carlisle chased down Keswick’s 230.

Keswick, weakened by key absentees, were struggling early on despite winning the toss as wickets for Greaves and left-armer Chris Blythe reduced them to 33-3. The departure of Aaron Davies was particularly memorable for young Jonathan Davidson’s Paul Collingwood style catch, diving backwards at mid-wicket to hang on to a screamer.

But Joppy Hodgson, batting at three, picked a fine moment to make an excellent 89, adding 121 for the fifth wicket with the dependable Geeth Kumara.

With a maiden century in sight, though, Hodgson chipped a Phil Frazer delivery to Greaves at extra cover and Kumara was left to farm a youthful tail and complete a fine 79, closing the Keswick innings on 230-7.

Ben Davidson and Gomersall anchored the response as James McGown bowled with pace, but with Keswick missing Glenn Weightman, their bowling resources were exposed as Carlisle made comfortable progress.

Gomersall almost made it unbeaten through the innings, with one calculated assault bringing 18 from one McGown over.

He vacated the stage though to a standing ovation to allow Jordan Whinn and Alex Raybould to take a bow with small but significant contributions as an emphatic Raybould drive to the cover boundary ended affairs with five overs to spare.