TWO new professionals in Jamie How ( New Zealand) and Brady Barends (South Africa) are bound for Kendal and Netherfield respectively, making it an intriguing prospect for the start of FBS Northern Premier League season on Saturday week.

Before the paid men arrive, however, both clubs hope to put an edge to preparations with friendly matches this weekend.

Netherfield have arranged a home encounter against Colne, last years Worsley Cup winners from the Lancashire League, on Sunday, ahead of.

the first league fixture at Barrow on April 16.

Meanwhile, Kendal have fixed up a Saturday fixture, away to Warton, last year’s Westmorland Cricket League first division champions (1.30pm start).

their league action at home to Morecambe.

The draw for the Bluefin Cumbria County Cup sees Kendal at home to Milnthorpe in the first round on Sunday or Monday, May 1/2.

Netherfield have a bye into the second round, where they are away to Whitehaven (Sunday, June 5) The full draw is: First round (May 1/2): Kendal v Milnthorpe; Furness v Caldbeck. Second round (June 5): Workington v Kendal or Milnthorpe; Cockermouth v Carlisle; Millom v Carnforth; Haverigg v Burneside; Penrith v Lindal Moor; Whitehaven v Netherfield; Apleby Eden v Keswick; Furness or Caldbeck v Cleator.

In the John Scott Cup, the county-wide competition for second teams, Netherfield are at home to Cleator in the first round, with ties to be played before June 1.

Draw, round 1: Cockermouth v Furness; Penrith v Barrow; Keswick v Haverigg; Workington v Westgate; Ingleton v Carnforth; Millom v Appleby Eden; Netherfield v Cleator; Whitehaven v Burneside.

Next week: Northern Premier League preview.