Defeat in Cumbria sets up Norfolk semi final

KO Trophy Group 1, Keswick CC

Cheshire 122-9 (32), Cumbria 93-4 (22.3), Cumbria won by 6 wickets (DLS) 

Scorecard & video       YouTube live stream    Highlights & video commentary     Group 1 Table

Cheshire now travel to face Norfolk in the KO Trophy quarter finals after a narrow DLS defeat in a rain affected game at picturesque Keswick.

The visitors struggled to post 122-9 from 32 overs before Cumbria chased down a revised 91 in a late finish.

Steady rain threatened to washout this final Group 1 match but after an early lunch, the game got underway at 2.30pm, reduced intially to 35 overs and then to 32.

An intriguing on-off afternoon/evening ensued with runs and sunshine at a premium and the temperature struggling to climb above baltic.

Harry Dearden led the Cheshire side in Sam Perry's absence and there were returns for Luke Young and Xander Selby. Henry Murray took the gloves.

Cumbria included ex-Cheshire man Calum Rowe who now lives in Carlisie .

Invited to bat first, Cheshire got off to a poor start with the top order struggling against the seamer's accuracy on an akward track.

At 41-4, Will Valentine (25) and Dearden's (35) disciplined approach improved the standing, aided by Henry Dobson (15).

A final total of 122-9 however felt below par as Cheshire struggled to recover from their poor start. Freddie Fallows (3-19) was the pick of the home bowlers.

With few runs to play with, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for the visitors but to their credit. the Cheshire bowling attack dug deep. Several interuptions meant Dearden had to continuously rejig his calculations and bowling permuations but there were excellent spells from all. Andy Jackson was particularly miserly with 2-12 from six overs but all played their part in taking this to the wire.

Ben Walkden (32*) and Matt Semphill (15*) eventually saw their side home after more rain fell. DLS meant it was touch and go but a six two balls before the final interuption, eased the pressure and on resumption, Cumbria needed a furthe r 14 from three overs.

Cumbria now host Group 2 runners-up Staffordshire in the quarter finals, Cheshire travel to Norfolk on 7 June.

A mention for the umpires - Steve Beswick and Jordan Montgomery-Else - who kept the game moving in difficult conditions.

Cheshire side : Harry Dearden (Capt - Woodbank), Luke Young (Hyde), Andy Jackson (Hyde), Dan Newton (Lindow), Alex Money (Chester Boughton Hall), Henry Murray (Wk - Toft), Kevin Carroll (Brooklands), Henry Dobson (Oxton), Isaac Brooks (Lindow), Xander Selby (Woodbank), Will Valentine (Alderley Edge) 12th man Liam Clorely(Toft).