Last updated 11:50, Wednesday, 20 August 2008

MORE than 600 overs of Cumbria under-17s’ schedule this year have been lost to the weather. And, as a result of the poor summer – and a bad defeat at the hands of Lincolnshire – Cumbria now have little chance of promotion.

Prior to leaving for Cleethorpes to play Lincolnshire, Cumbria had two late withdrawals as leading batsmen John Huck and Greg Platten pulled out, Cockermouth star Platten having an ear infection.

Then Danny Lee also became unavailable 45 minutes before the team left and hasty late replacements were brought in, including Cockermouth’s Ryan Carruthers.

Cumbria won the toss and elected to field because of overnight rain and cloudy skies. Lincolnshire lost wickets steadily and were 95-4 but a series of stands and missed chances meant they managed to reach 296 all out off 97 overs.

Cumbria’s batting performance was pitiful against an accurate pace and spin attack and they capitulated on 95 after just 41.2 overs, leaving Lincolnshire 17 points and Cumbria just four.