A record-breaking partnership secured Cumbria County Cricket Club's first win in the National Counties One Day Trophy.
The victory came thanks to a formidable performance by two Cockermouth CC players and a five-wicket haul from an ex-Cockermouth CC player.
The pitch at Dunstable Cricket Club, set in the Chilterns valley, was dry and hard, akin to conditions expected later in the summer.
Chris Wright, from Leicestershire CCC, returned to the squad and opened the bowling.
He bowled impressively, giving away just a few runs in his first two overs.
However, Ed Moulton from Chorley CC, bowling uphill against the wind, conceded 30 runs in two overs.
Sam Sharp from Kendal CC then took over and quickly dismissed three players, including Oli Soames and Harry Gouldstone.
By the time Cumbria’s skipper Michael Slack took over, the run rate had been reduced to less than four an over.
Dunk was dismissed for 34 by Freddie Fallows from Kendal CC.
Thurstance then formed another significant partnership with Nabil Moughal before Moughal was caught by Fallows at mid-wicket.
Thurstance was later trapped lbw by Sharp, who secured his five-wicket haul.
The catch of the match came when Slack caught Archie Houghton on the long-off boundary.
The innings ended with Bedfordshire scoring 260 runs, a target Cumbria had never previously surpassed in a one-day match against them.
Cumbria’s openers, Fallows and Ben Walkden, got off to a strong start before Fallows was caught at mid-off.
Walkden, Evan Williams, and Slack advanced the score to 68/4 before Greg Platten joined his Cockermouth teammate Matthew Sempill at the crease.
He later scored a single to reach his century.
With the scores equal, Sempill was dismissed.
His final score was 112 off 107 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes.
Having already contributed 63 to the record-breaking partnership of 191 off 192 balls, Platten sealed the victory with a four.
Cumbria CCC will return to Dunstable CC at the end of July for a three-day match.
Supporters are advised to prepare for the cold conditions, as the venue is known for its chilly weather.
Cumbria CCC's upcoming fixtures in the One Day Trophy will start at 11am.
They will play against Cambridgeshire at Kendal CC on Sunday, May 11, and against Lincolnshire at Furness CC on Sunday, May 18.
The match against Bedfordshire saw Cumbria CCC putting up a commendable performance, with every wicket involving at least one player from Kendal CC.
Sharp’s figures were ten overs, three maidens, 51 runs, and five wickets.
The victory, marked by a record-breaking partnership and a strong team performance, has set a positive tone for Cumbria CCC in this year’s National Counties One Day Trophy campaign.
The team will be looking to build on this success in their upcoming matches.
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