THE Cumberland View - Volkswagen Westmorland Cricket League starts proper this week with the opening first division matches.

Second division teams opened their programme last week with the first and third division teams joining the fray tomorrow (Saturday).

Division four teams join the competition on Monday, May 6.

There will be no fifth division for the first time since 1977.

The decision was made at the league's annual meeting to merge divisions four and five as too many game were not being honoured in the lower division.

The teams in the new fourth division will play each other once only over 15 games.

It was decided not to impose relegation from the second division in the wake of foot-and-mouth, thereby increasing numbers to 14 teams.

In addition, Windermere's second string from division two swapped places with Holme from division three on account of a player shortage at the Lakes club.

Second division cricketers will have to have some good excuses ready for this season.

Facing a 26-match league season plus cup games, they are unlikely to be seen much around the house and garden.