Top match in the Cumbria League on Saturday is in the south of the county where a smarting Furness entertain unbeaten leaders Workington.
Furness were well beaten at home last week by Cockermouth, teetering on the brink of embarrassment at one point as they found themselves 47-8.
That they recovered to a more respectable, but hardly daunting 119 all out, was mainly down to a patient and gritty 39 from number 10 bat Harris Woods.
Cockermouth eventually won by five wickets, a victory which has helped kickstart their season, but left Furness shocked and stunned.
They look to have a very strong side this season, and although county batsman Nathan Waterston is currently sidelined with two broken ribs, still appear to be well equipped.
Workington are proving to be the surprise package so far with overseas amateur Davis Mills making a positive impact with bat and ball.
Although they lost their young pace bowler Regan Jackson to north east cricket Workington have tempted back two of their former seamers in Dan McDermott and Matthew Gorley to strengthen their attack which had already been rated as one of the best in the League.
Opener Jake Daniel, who was 99 not out, in last week’s eight wicket win over Whitehaven has enjoyed a prolific start to the season and if Workington’s batting continues to hold up they will be serious title challengers.
Their only defeat so far came in the ERCB National Cup when losing on the last ball at St Anne’s after 28 wides had certainly put a dent in their ambitions.
But Furness away is a test and captain Matt Lowden will have a better take on his season’s hopes after this one.
You can guarantee Carlisle will not be prepared to give away their title cheaply and they are just six points adrift, only because their opening game was abandoned.
They also have a test in south Cumbria when they visit Millom, third in the table and a side who have been showing gradual improvement since their promotion from Division One three years ago.
Wigton have had a disappointing start to the season and are still looking for their first win after three defeats and an abandoned opener.
On Saturday they host Lindal Moor who are 11 points better off but it will certainly be one game the Lowmoor Road side have targeted for that elusive first win.
Egremont were involved in that exciting tie at Keswick last week when new Indian professional Vathsal Govind showed his all-round prowess with a knock of 81 while his leg spin claimed two of Keswick’s top order.
Next on the agenda are Cockermouth at Sandair, when the visitors will be welcomed by a side cock-a-hoop after that good win at Furness.
Keswick are another side still seeking that elusive first win but their problems mainly concern the number of players who are out with injuries, mainly in the bowling department. At the last count at least six will miss-out when they visit Cleator.
Up to fourth in the table, despite a good battle at Carlisle last week ending in a three wicket defeat, the west Cumbrians are still moving in the right direction.
The old big four used to be (in no particular order) Carlisle, Cockermouth, Furness and Keswick – but is it changing. Certainly only champions Carlisle currently occupy a top four slot.
The week-end fixtures are completed by Whitehaven’s clash at the Playground against Haverigg – a game that could go either way.
