Last updated 20:25, Thursday, 17 April 2008

WORKINGTON will have to start the defence of cricket’s North Lancashire and Cumbria premier division title tomorrow without influential professional Simon Beare.

The Kiwi still hasn’t got his visa details sorted out and is likely to miss at least two games for the 2007 champions.

Beare was late in fixing up his interview and although there are unlikely to be any long-term implications it does mean that Workington will have to find a substitute professional for the opening, testing trip to Millom.

New club captain Steve Benson said: “I have been speaking to John Windows, the Durham Academy coach and he has recommended one of their players, Karl Turner.

“He is an opening and medium pace bowler who has also played for the county’s second team. We hope to have him in the side for the trip to Millom.”

Fixtures - Premier: Carlisle v Furness, Cleator v Whitehaven, Dalton v Duddon, Haverigg v Keswick, Millom v Workington, Penrith v Cockermouth.

Division one: Appleby v Cleator Seconds, Hawcoat Park v Egremont, Keswick Seconds v Kirkby, Vickerstown v Lindal Moor, Wigton v Lanercost, Workington Seconds v Ulverston.