The new-look Counties Cumbria set-up is set to launch on September 12 in what promises to provide two divisions of competitive rugby union.
Opening games in both sections have some tasty confrontations in prospect, especially in Cumbria 1 with four hard to judge opening fixtures.
Aspatria, down from Regional 2 North start under new coach Glen Weightman at home to Carlisle, who were relegated the previous season.
Wigton, who also find themselves back in Cumbria 1, have a testing trip to Hawcoat Park who enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent years last season.
There’s a very interesting West Cumbrian derby in prospect as Egremont prepare to host St Benedict’s, restructured for the season ahead under new director of rugby Steve Nichsolson.
The fourth game in Division One sees Whitehaven at home to Cockermouth, two sides who were fairly evenly matched last season.
It’s a big season for Creighton in Cumbria 2 as they celebrate their centenary season and they have a new, respected coach at the helm in Jeff Clare.
They will start with a trip to play Keswick seconds which should be a useful test for Clare and his new charges.
Furness are back in competitive rugby and start at home to Ambleside who had one of their best seasons for a while last time, but had been looking to implement changes during the summer.
Workington are another team who have been making improvements on the field of play and they start at home to Millom who were hit by a big points deduction last season and are likely to be much more competitive this time round with Chris Park now stepping up to the head coach role.
The fourth game to start the season in Counties 2 sees Windermere entertaining Penrith 2nds.
