Cricket - County debut for Ryan Nelson at Carlisle (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cricket - County debut for Ryan Nelson at Carlisle

10:20am Wednesday 5th August 2009 in Cumberland CCC

CUMBERLAND head to Carlisle CC to play Lincolnshire on Sunday still looking for that first win of the season.

A tense game at Jesmond against Northumberland, where a victory was nearly snatched away from their opponents despite a very poor first-innings batting display, should give the Cumberland team some confidence.

A number of players are unavailable due to club commitments - skipper Marcus Sharp included.

Gary Pratt once again captains the home team after a superb 149 in the Cumberland second innings at Jesmond.

James Lowe and Alex Roberts provide the experience in the batting line-up, with youngsters Paul Johnston and Carnforth CC's Ryan Nelson on debuts along with Jonathon Miles and Chris D'Leny (also keeping wicket) looking to impress and secure a place for next season.

All-rounder James Smith makes up the batting contingent.

Bowlers so far Dan Conway, who has enjoyed a good season to date taking regular wickets, Daryl Wearing and another still to be decided.

A Cumberland spokesman said: “Poor weather has not helped the Carlisle club prepare for their first Minor Counties game since the floods that wreaked havoc on the Edenside ground, but hopefully the persistence of the groundsmen will pay off.”