Keswick will start the Cumbria League round of games as Premier Division leaders as they chase their first title.
A fine win at Furness – the previous leaders – enabled them to inch to the top by a point in what is shaping up to be an extremely tight battle with Cockermouth and Carlisle also in contention.
Last week’s win at Furness was achieved at a cost because late in the day promising leg spinner Ben Sharp went over on his ankle, and although nothing was broken, is currently hobbling around in plaster.
The victory was eventually achieved by 17 runs, successfully defending a total of 192, through some enthusiastic fielding and tight bowling.
Tomorrow, the Lakesiders are back at Fitz Park when they will host Workington, who have the opportunity to bounce back from one of their worst performances of the season.
The west Cumbrians lost by five wickets at home to bottom side Dalton – so to raise their game considerably against the new League leaders will form the basis of skipper Matty Lowden’s team talk at Fitz Park.
Furness will have something similar in mind, too, as they bid to get back on track and have a relatively short trip to make to Haverigg.
Their hosts have been in-and-out so far and last week were well beaten by eight wickets at home to Carlisle.
Cockermouth lie third and can get closer if they win their game in hand against Lindal Moor but that might not be played until September.
Tomorrow they travel to Whitehaven in great heart after a massive win over Cleator last week which proved a record-breaking day.
Openers Gareth White (148) and Alex Grainger (138) put on 247 for the first wicket which was a new club record – for any wicket.
It beat the 221 opening stand between White and Steve Chambers in 2000.
Whitehaven will offer a threat, particularly if South African star Chase Young is in the line-up, but Cockermouth have a good record at the Playground.
There’s no doubt that Cleator will be hurting after that spanking at Sandair and will want to put things right tomorrow at home to Wigton, who were beaten in a good game with Millom last week.
Carlisle, who needed to win at Haverigg to stay in contention, did so and tomorrow host Millom in what should be a good test for them as there’s no leeway for errors after their July wobbles.
Incidentally it’s another action-packed weekend for the go-ahead Carlisle club starting tonight with women and girls’ cricket (6pm) at Edenside.
All Stars cricket for the kids is at 9am on Saturday ahead of the big Cumbria League game with Millom and on Sunday Carlisle Academy play Appleby Eden Colts (2pm).
Also on Sunday Carlisle 2nds travel to play Newcastle City in the ECB Vitality T20 National Club Plate.
The sixth game in the Cumbria League’s Premier Division on Saturday is Dalton v Lindal Moor.
