Barbadian professional, Justin Greaves produced a superb spell of bowling from the River Eden end of the ground as Carlisle overcame a stubborn run chase from Cockermouth to secure the points in the North Lancs Premier.

Greaves’ 6 for only 21 runs from just 12 overs gave him the unofficial man of the match award as Carlisle came out on top by 37 runs.

Asked to bat first on a pitch that appeared to offer something for the seamers, Carlisle drew heavily on their long batting line up to gather a total of 220.

Openers Ben Davidson and Daniel Gomersall dealt with some indifferent early bounce before Gomersall tried to go over the infield on 30 and was caught at mid-wicket.

Skipper Marc Brown, clearly intent on counter-attack, made a speedy 46, and shared successive partnerships of 46 with Davidson and then 56 with Justin Greaves, who made 31.

Carlisle threatened to shoot themselves in the foot as middle order wickets fell to finger spinner, Chris Hodgson and the visitors sensed a chance to roll the innings over for below 200.

Alex Raybould though cantered to an unbeaten 33 with some savage assaults and gave the home side some breathing space as they closed on 220-7.

Cockermouth’s response began in the worst possible fashion as first a Greaves full toss appeared to crush the thumb of opener Gareth White who was sent to hospital (we wish you well Gareth, hope the injury isn’t too severe) and then next ball trapped South African pro Calana LBW.

Alex Grainger offered doughty resistance, but it was the stubborn partnership of 101 between Chris Hodgson, who made a fine 65, and Ian Buchanan that gave the visitors hope of overhauling Carlisle’s total.

With the overs ticking down, though, Greaves returned with a miserly spell to dismiss Hodgson and then clear up the tail as Cockermouth, continuing to pursue an unlikely victory, finished on 183.