True to form as we move to the start of this season's league programme, the weather turns nasty.

As I write, a biting cold wind and sleet and snow showers prevail; nevertheless, this season promises competitive and exciting cricket.

Champions Kirkby Stephen commence the defence of their title with a local derby away to Temple Sowerby.

Captained this year by Ross Davies this talented group, with the prolific Charles Bowman, available from the start, will take some beating. That said, Temple Sowerby will provide stiff opposition.

At full-strength they are a force and, if the rumour-mill is to be believed, they may have at their disposal some additions to last season’s squad.

Caldbeck are always a force and I have no doubt they will again be pushing for honours. They entertain promoted Scotby in their opening game.

Scotby are an enigma in that availability often governs which Scotby turns up. Adding to their problem is the fact that their ground is currently out of action because of work on the football ground side of the outfield.

All of their early games are away and it is possible some of their first scheduled home games may have to be played on another ground.

On the positive side, plans have been drawn and are shortly to be submitted for their new pavilion which hopefully will be ready next year.

Elsewhere, Appleby continue to play at Culgaith and welcome Rockcliffe on Saturday. Appleby are Rockcliffe’s bogey side, Appleby having beaten them soundly home and away since Rockcliffe returned to the Premier League in 2015.

John Wharton is keen to redress the balance this weekend and, with Appleby a little short of their best XI in the early weeks, may have a good chance to do this.

Carlisle 2nds host Stainton at Edenside. Both these teams failed to fulfil their undoubted abilities last season and will be keen to start strongly.

Ollie Bradley has taken over as captain at Carlisle and with some of their outstanding youngsters a year older, they could be a force.

Newly-promoted Threlkeld also have a local derby with Braithwaite the visitors. Threlkeld have had a rapid rise through the divisions and will hope they can maintain that momentum throughout this season.

Football can be an early-season selection problem for them. Braithwaite struggled last season but their team spirit and enthusiasm of Gilbert Pyke enabled them to survive. Saturday’s game could be an indicator on how both of these sides will perform this season.

The First Division is always competitive and this season will be no exception.

Relegated Staffield will be keen to return to the Premiership but a visit to Wetheral will test them to the full. Staffield have several promising youngsters coming through and with Richard Bamber fit again, will be stronger.

Wetheral looked like promotion candidates last season but fell away towards the end and Richard Timperon’s sides will be hopeful of improving on that performance.

Lanercost, having left the North Lancashire League, have had to work their way through the divisions and will be keen to reach the Premier Division. Keswick 2nds are capable of giving most teams a stiff test and this should be a close game.

Langholm open their programme with a home fixture against relegated Wigton 2nds. This young side impressed me last season and I think could create a surprise or two in this Division.

Edenhall, not too long ago a Premiership side, find themselves in Divsion 2.

One of the clubs badly affected by the flood in 2015, this hindered their start and they never really recovered. Along with Carleton and Gamblesby they look to be the front runners in this Division.

Division 3 is difficult to predict.

A large number of young players are introduced to senior cricket which is good to see. It also features several clubs who have seen better times and we wish all of these teams to have a good and enjoyable season.

Finally, as a reminder to all clubs, home teams are now providing teas for the opposition at no charge.

Start times can be brought forward, subject to agreement by both teams, (don’t forget to inform the umpires and fixtures secretary if this occurs).