Workington Cricket Club's defence of their North Lancs/Cumbria League Premier Division title got off to a rocky start.

Defeat at home to Carlisle, albeit by one wicket, and an abortive trip to Haverigg ruined by rain, were part of a miserable opening.

But two victories over the Bank Holiday weekend have put a spring back into the west Cumbrians’ step as they prepare for a massive game tomorrow.

Workington travel to Furness, runners-up over the last two years, and who have emerged as strong favourites to take the crown this time.

Furness have won all three league games so far and share the lead with Cleator, who have also been successful three times.

Workington will travel south with popular Sri Lankan professional Kaushalya Gajasinghe in good form with the ball.

In Saturday’s home win over Wigton by 36 runs, Gajasinghe took 7-18 as the visitors were bowled out for 83.

Kristian Moffat had held the Workington innings together, making 59 of the 119 runs scored.

At Keswick on Monday, in the Higson Cup sponsored by CN Group, Gajasinghe took 4-26 as Keswick were bowled out for 126.

Callum Moffat made 49 as Workington reached 127-4 off 23.2 overs. Fifteen-year-old Scott McGown took 3-25 for Keswick.

Cockermouth also made Higson Cup progress when they beat Wigton by 66 runs.

Gareth White hit 69 in the Cockermouth total of 181 before winless Wigton were bowled out for 115.

Sam Thompson (3-25) and Mark Middleton (3-19) did best with the ball.

Furness continue to be impressive and they were nine-wicket winners against Haverigg in the cup.

Carlisle also got through with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Dalton.

James Bell (5-18) and Ben Davidson (59 not out) were their top performers.

Whitehaven, doing best of the four teams promoted last season, ended Carlisle’s winning sequence in the league to go fourth in the table.

They go to Wigton tomorrow while joint leaders Cleator entertain Lindal Moor.

Cockermouth host Haverigg while Keswick visit Dalton and the Premier Division programme is completed by Carlisle v Millom.