Fifteen-year-old Stefan Carp’s stunning century propelled Edenhall to victory in their latest Eden Valley Cricket League Premiership game at home to Wetheral II.
Asked to bat first on Saturday, Edenhall posted 234 for four from 40 overs. Openers Tim Holliday (36) and youngster Stefan shared a huge first wicket stand of 152 before the former was caught behind.
Stefan raised his bat to celebrate an excellent hundred during an epic innings of 135 balls which included 20 fours and a huge six. Fellow teen Noah Hoyle, aged just 13, was not out on 18 at the halfway point of the match.
The two youngsters then combined with the ball and removed Wetheral’s top three batsmen. Stefan’s final figures were two for 28 from eight overs with opening bowler Noah taking one for 19 from eight and Jacob Openshaw also claiming two wickets.
Edenhall captain Jamie Armstrong said it had been a “superb knock” from Stefan, whose elder brother Andrei also plays in the Eden Valley League.
“He paced his innings to perfection, watchful early on against some tight bowling and then accelerated superbly towards the end of the innings. It really was a pleasure to watch,” said the skipper.
“Stefan joined us this year and has been a massive asset to the club. He has fit in really well, his confidence has grown as the season has gone on and the main thing is he is enjoying his cricket. He has played his part in a successful season for the team.
“I think he is looking forward to a potential match up next year against his older brother, Andrei (18), who plays for (Premiership side) Staffield.”
Edenhall are second in the Division I table, just two points behind leaders Lanercost II, who were not in action last weekend and have a game in hand.
Temple Sowerby are third — 24 points behind Edenhall — and they got the better of fourth placed Nunwick in the latest round of matches.
Visitors Nunwick were put into bat at the Thunderdome and bowled out for 136. Opener and skipper James Tweedie top-scored for his side with 41 while Ned Windham added 34.
Louis Simpson took four wickets for the home side and there were two apiece for James Farmer, Mike Swindle and Matthew Lowes.
Temple Sowerby’s opening batsmen laid the foundations for their team’s victory, Jack Overs scoring 33 and Martyn Harrison an unbeaten 38 before Carl Hinkley (20no) and Farmer (23no) saw the hosts across the finish line.
Just two games were played last weekend in the Premiership.
Leaders Caldbeck suffered a second league defeat of the season, away to last season’s top flight runners-up Lanercost I.
The hosts were put into bat and dismissed for 156, Phil Richardson taking five for 24 from 10 overs for the visitors, who were 122 for seven at the close of their reply.
At Edenside, home team Carlisle II beat Wigton II, the city side scoring 199 for seven batting first before bowling out the visitors for 73.
