The Academy failed to build Jerusalem in England’s green and pleasant land as they travelled to picturesque Nunwick for an afternoon of cricket in the beautiful July sunshine. With skipper Wilson unavailable due to important ogling duties at Bitt’s Park, a little mix of senior players in the form of Tiff Snr and Vever filled the wheelhouse.

It started well with a correct coin toss and so bowl we did.

Will Clark was fast and accurate whilst Harvey partnered him well. Wickets fell regularly and we kept the rate low. It was a day for young bowlers as Barker, Reeves and Vever all got spanked whereas Luke Graham, Stanley Mac, Adam Tiff and Charlie Hutch all bowled beautifully. Their 5 first teamers batting from 7 to 11 as per the rules gave some gravitas to their total but we still did well to hold them to 145.

Another good tea sees Nunwick a close second to Staffield in the half time fayre stakes. Hot pepperoni pizza and home-made Victoria sponge should be the standard everywhere…

In reply we never got going. Charlie and Paddy were enthusiastic but without much luck. Adam Tiff was also purposeful and Keen Steve was obturate. But it was the Stan Mac show, as he held the innings together and always kept us in reach with his patient and thoughtful strokeplay. Shame the big Aussie galah got a golden duck at the death to deny any chance of a consolatory point. Still, the future looks bright for Carlisle as these chaps will press hard for higher selection in just a few short years…