The county’s rugby union sides are right back into league action on Saturday with a full programme of fixtures.
In Regional 1 North West both the Cumbrian clubs are on the road with Penrith, in particular, being set a stiff test.
They visit the season’s sur[rise package Anselmians, new to the League and straight into the title race. They have won all seven games so far and are second, just a point behind Rossendale.
Anselmians, from Eastham on the Wirral, have the tightest defence in the League having conceded just 115 points so far – scoring 259 themselves.
Penrith have already tested themselves against leaders Rossendale and although beaten showed up well and won’t be overawed by the trip to play Anselmians, especially after beating fourth-placed Blackburn in their last outing.
Kendal are ninth in the table, a place and three points behind Penrith, ahead of their trip to Stockport.
As their hosts only lead Penrith in the table by points difference it’s one that the Mint Bridge side can surely target as they continue to give youth a chance.
In Regional Two North there’s a Cumbrian derby in prospect at Warwick Road where Carlisle entertain Keswick.
Carlisle are the leading Cumbrian side in the League having adapted well to their promotion, and are probably exceeding expectations so far.
Sixth in the table they entertain a Keswick side nine points and three places behind them in the table – but who, on their day, are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best.
Young prospect Archie Harding will be the referee at Warwick Road.
The other three Cumbrian sides in Regional 2 North face away trips with Aspatria facing the biggest test as they visit League leaders Middlesbrough.
Not far behind in the degree of difficulty expected, Upper Eden travel to second in the table Northern, so both Cumbrian sides will need to be at full-strength and dialled in to bring anything back.
More hopeful will be Kirkby Lonsdale as they visit Guisborough who are bottom, having lost all seven games. The Cumbrians have only won one themselves but will be looking to make that two tomorrow.
Best games in the Counties 1 Cumbria should be Millom v Whitehaven (Paddy Loughran) and Keswick 2nds v Egremont (Mike Firby).
Also scheduled: Ambleside v Hawcoat Park (Dan Shovelton); Workington v Penrith 2nds (Martin Denvir); Creighton v Cockermouth (Jonny Watson); Windermere v St Benedict’s (Simon Barker).
