The Northern Premier Cricket League gets under way this Saturday and for both Kendal and Netherfield will look to kickstart title pushes.

After both competed and made the most of the adapted 40-over cup campaign last season, hopes are high that there could well be a full season of league action.

Netherfield, who returned to training two weeks ago, have been working hard ahead of the season opener at Lancaster, while they impressed with a one-wicket win at Carlisle in a pre-season friendly.

Indian professional Shrikant Mundhe is likely to make his debut after arriving last Friday and quarantining as per the Covid-19 protocols.

Kendal on the other hand have been preparing quietly, holding regular net sessions during the last fortnight as the team from Shap Road – likely to be led by Chris Miller – aims to build on a promising 40-over cup campaign in 2020 while trying to carry momentum from 2019 as they avoided relegation from the league.

Other key players such as Ben Phillips, Kuldeep Singh, Saeed Bariwala and Darren Nightingale will be playing, with the experienced Terry Hunte along with some of the younger players also involved with the team.

Kendal are yet to announce their professional for the new season, as they host Chorley at Shap Road in the season opener on Saturday.

The Auld Grey derby between both teams will take place on Saturday, June 26, with Kendal hosting Netherfield before the return takes place on Monday, August 30 at Parkside Road.

Both teams will also play each other in the Twenty-20 group competition, with the games scheduled for June 13 and June 27.

The group will also consist of Chorley, Lancaster, Garstang, Leyland and St Anne’s.

Netherfield and Kendal have both been given tough 40-over cup fixtures, where Netherfield will host Fulwood and Broughton, while Kendal travel to play Chorley with the games taking place on April 24.

However, the clubs' second teams are also starting this weekend, with Kendal’s seconds travelling to play Chorley, while Netherfield’s seconds host newly-promoted Great Eccleston.

Netherfield’s seconds will be led by Scott Clement, while Paul Dodds is likely to captain a Kendal second team who had a strong 2020 season which included doing the double over Netherfield.

The third teams are also starting with Netherfield away to Sedbergh School in an intriguing contest, while Kendal’s thirds get under way on Sunday, April 25 with a home clash with Milnthorpe seconds.

After months of lockdown, sport clubs are readying themselves to return to action.

The pandemic has harmed many local and international clubs, while also excluding fans from attending the events that were permitted during the year.

Kendal and Netherfield clubs have used their time in lockdown to prepare for their return which will come this weekend.