FURNESS were indebted to professional Rishi Dhawan and Mark Daly as they took a valuable North Lancs and Cumbria Premier Division win at Keswick.

The hosts were in first and batted steadily without ever really getting on top. They were 163 for 6 in their 40 overs – reduced on a day where schedules for many matches changed due to the clash with England’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden.

Glen Weightman top-scored with 50, and professional Geeth Kumara made an unbeaten 40. Furness spinner Garry Thompson bowled an excellent spell, taking 4 for 39 in 11 overs.

In reply, Furness were rocking slightly at 49 for 3, but an unbroken stand of 118 from Dhawan, 62 not out, and Daly, 52 not out, saw their side to the win at 167 for 3, in only 25.3 overs.

Cockermouth remain above Furness in second after a high-scoring win at Lindal Moor.

The visitors won the toss and batted first, but lost their top-four batsmen for only 54. Professional Haseeb Azam was then joined by Marcus Stables and together they put on 165 before Stables was out for 75. Chris Hodgson then joined the pro, and an unbeaten stand of 70 saw Cockermouth to 289 for 5 in their 40 overs, Azam making 131 not out and Chris Hodgson an unbeaten 27. Lindal’s Craig Crawford took 3 for 30 in eight overs.

The Moor also made a moderate start to be 67 for 4. Skipper Edward Waind and pro Keshan Wijerathne came together and added 90 before Waind was caught behind for 41.

Wijerathne went on to make 85, but was then bowled by Matthew Sempill, and when overs ran out the home side were 176 for 7.

Dalton claimed a key win over Millom to move two places off the bottom of the table.

Put in to bat, Millom had a poor day as four of the top order all collected ducks. Professional Sameera Sadamal stopped the collapse, but was run out for 49, and Millom were 123 all out in the 25th over.

Dalton’s Ranghika Pinnala Don took 3 for 18 and Liam Steele 3 for 47 – Steele’s victims all in Millom’s top order.

In reply, Dalton strolled to a 10-wicket win in only 15 overs, making 124 without loss. Professional Winstone Masakadza, 65, and Jack Singleton, 57, gained their side 10 valuable points

The early start did not affect leaders Cleator at home to Whitehaven. The game was reduced to 80 overs, and with 58 from Darren Clark and an unbeaten 45 from James Rogers, Cleator were 190 for 6 at the break. Mohammad Yasin, the visitors’ pro, took 3 for 39 in 10.1 overs.

Whitehaven’s reply ensured the World Cup game would be seen from the kick-off, as they were all back in the shed for 68. David Blackwell returned 5 for 29, and Clark 3 for 39.

Unfortunately, Whitehaven professional Mohammad Yasin was injured when fielding and could not bat.

Carlisle triumphed at Wigton, with their innings dominated by opener T Benn’s 105. That saw his side to 224 for 6 in their 40 overs.

Wigton opening batsmen, Mike Slack, 38, and Nico Watt, 23, gave their side a good start, but the next four in made three ducks and five between them.

Scott Mulholland, with 25, and Ben Purdham, 21 not out, made some recovery, but their side were all out for 127 in the 28th over. Carlisle’s Faisal Hussain returned 4 for 31 in nine overs.