CUMBERLAND are preparing for one of their most important matches in recent seasons, knowing a win away at Berkshire on Sunday will take them into their first-ever MCCA Trophy final at Lord's.

Kendal's Jonathan Miles and Netherfield's Alex Atkinson, having played regularly for the county this season, are in the squad to travel to play in the semi-final at Falkland CC.

Gary Pratt's side were in action this week in a three-day Minor Counties Championship match away to Suffolk at Mildenhall.

The performance of Barrow off-spinner Liam Livingstone took the eye on the first day when he captured 5-59. But Suffolk fought back with two centurians in Tom Huggins (148) and Hassam Adnam (100) as they racked up a first innings total of 339-6 off the allotted 90 overs.

Cumberland remained chipper, however, making a sound start in reply at 46-0 off 19 overs at the close of play.

On the second day, Cumberland declared on 325-4 (89.3 overs) after James Lowe and the Kendal opener Miles put on an opening partnership of 141.

Livingstone marked himself out as a very promising all-round as he also contributed with the bat, hitting 66.

But Cumberland had plenty of work still to do on the third day as Suffolk led them by 167 runs with nine wickets standing.

Adnam remained unbeaten on 73 out of Suffolk's second-innings score of 151-1 (41 overs).

An intriguing finish was spoiled by the weather when Tuesday arrived.

Rain came with Cumberland facing a run chase of 305 to win and play was abandoned with the visitors not off the mark after facing only two overs.

Ian Sharp, the Cumberland team manager, said: “The rain ruined an interesting run chase on an excellent bating wicket,but the team go forward into next Sunday’s semi-final after producing some good cricket.”