Cricket: Higson Cup Round One

Last updated 15:56, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

WHITEHAVEN produced their best performance of the season so far to advance in the Higson Cup at the expense of Kirkby on Sunday.

Haven bowled out Kirkby for just 103 as professional Saliva Saman took 4-13, Steve Dawson took 2-21 and Stephen Holliday, on his return to the club, claimed 1-19.

The West Cumbrians responded comfortably with 107-2. Eddie Birkett took 12 from the opening over and, from then on, the home side never looked in danger of losing.

Birkett went on to score 29, supported by Jonny Bruce (32) and Andrew Kelly (27 not out).

It was left to Saman to end proceedings by smashing two huge sixes to ensure victory.

Three other teams made progress in the first round of the cup, while another four games were rained off.

In the only all-Premier Division game which went ahead, Workington beat Furness by 62 runs at the Valentine Ground.

Andrew Reed (56), Kristian Moffat (39) and Stephen Benson (34) helped Workington to 195-9 with Stuart Horne taking 4-41 for the visitors.

Furness were bowled-out for 133 in 40.3 overs with Majid Jahangir holding them together on 67. Simon James took 4-24 and Martin Turner had 3-25. Carlisle actually got through without breaking sweat as their tie with Duddon SC was called-off when the South Cumbrians conceded.

The other completed games both went to the Premier Division side.

Keswick are bottom of the Premier Division but they accounted for Wigton by six wickets to get through to the second round.

Professional Dinuka Hettiarachchi took 5-12 as Wigton succumbed to 94 all out and Keswick were able to knock them off for the loss of four wickets.

Games off that fell victim to the weather were: Haverigg v Cockermouth; Lindal Moor v Dalton; Millom v Penrith and Vickerstown v Cleator.