CUMBERLAND headed to Workington CC, hoping to open their account in the MCCA Trophy against Shropshire CCC.

Nearly two weeks of inclement weather had restricted the home club's preparation for the game and even up until Saturday evening the match was still in doubt.

Good weather on Sunday morning helped to dry out the ground and along with the ground committee's hard work play was able to start on time with Cumberland skipper James Smith winning the toss and electing to bat.

The Cumberland openers Hey and Stead struggled to get the opening pace attack away with tight bowling from Taylor and Shantry putting the home batsmen under pressure, bowling very tight lines and not giving the batsmen any width to attack the ball.

The introduction of ex-Yorkshire and Derbyshire off- spinner Andy Gray brought a breakthrough when Hey tried to hit against the spin through the covers and was bowled for 24 with the total on 54.

Andy Gleave joined Stead and took the score to 78 before Stead was adjudged lbw to opposition leg-spinning captain Ralph for 34.

Smith promoted himself up the order with the intention of scoring quick runs but instead ending up lofting a shot to long for Gray's second wicket.

Pratt was also lbw to Ralph for 2 and when Gleave was caught at midwicket for 19 with the score on 87, it was left to Roberts to try and make a challenging total.

Barrow CCs Jonathan Miles helped add 12 to the total until he was well caught in the deep looking to improve the scoring rate.

Workington CC's Callum Moffatt scored 9 before he was bowled by the returning Taylor.

Debutant Liam Livingstone scored a useful 8 until well caught at long-on. Dan Conway (7 not out) and Roberts (38 not out), saw the home side to a disappointing 156 for 8.

Best for Shropshire were captain Ralph, with 4 for 25, from 10 overs and Gray, 2 for 23 from 10 overs.

In order to have a chance of winning Cumberland required early wickets.

The wicket was now drying out and the Shropshire openers played steadily to see off the new ball, Whitney being removed by Sharp for 12.

Shropshire were progressing steadily through Foster and Chrisi until Livingstone produced a false shot from Christi to have him well caught by clubmate Miles for 16.

Shropshire moved forward to the winning total until Miles, bowling chinamen, claimed three quick wickets to set the Shropshire hearts racing.

Foster played the outstanding innings of the day, scoring a fine 63 until removed by Roberts, caught by Sharp at first slip. Other contributions came from Oliver 20, Catterall 14, Ralph 11 and Parker 14.

Best of the bowlers was Miles with 3-18.