Carlisle were indebted to a nerveless unbeaten 46 from young batsman Jonathan Davidson to secure a nailbiting, two wicket win against Cleator at Edenside.

Having won the toss and batted, the visitors were reeling inside four overs as opening bowlers Phil Frazer and Michael Slack accounted for danger men, Dave Watson and Darren Clark, who both departed without scoring.

Tom Sharpe and S Jayathlanke rebuilt the innings with a 73-run partnership, but three wickets for in form seamer, Henry Walker, including Sharpe, helped Carlisle restrict the visitors who were fresh from last week's win over Millom.

Cleator's innings finished on 166-6.

Although Lewis Plackett was quickly poached, caught and bowled by Clark, a patient 52 from Carlisle professional Michael Slack inched the home team towards their total.

Drama was to come though as David Blackwell tore out the heart of Carlisle's middle order, leaving the home side 148-8 with 19 still needed. Blackwell's figures of 4-32 a fine return for one of the league's top bowlers.

But young Jonathan Davidson stood firm as wickets fell around him. He batted superbly and without nerves to shepherd Carlisle home as Phil Frazer kept him company at the end with less than two overs to spare.

The win maintains Carlisle's unbeaten start to the season before next week's long trip to Lindal Moor.