Double champions Workington have suffered a major blow ahead of the new North Lancs Cumbria League cricket season.

All-rounder Andrew Ireland is now studying at Southampton Solent University and has signed for a club in Hampshire.

Last season Workington retained the Premier Division title and Ireland had a significant role to play in their success.

He played in all but one of the 22 league games and was the leading wicket-taker with 41 (average 11.07). That included a brilliant 9-5 to bowl-out Wigton for 22 and he also took 6-30 at Cleator.

Ireland, who as a youngster spent time with the Durham Academy, also scored 378 runs (average 25.20) with a best knock of 74.

Skipper Rob Lambert, who led the side to the championship in his first season as captain, knows it will be tougher this time without Ireland.

“There’s no doubt about it, losing Andrew is a massive blow for us. He was one of the leading bowlers in the league and clearly we will miss him. He could also be relied upon to come-up with an explosive innings if we needed one,” he said.

Workington have also lost Greg Platten who has returned to his previous club Cockermouth after two seasons at the Valentine Ground.

Last year Platten couldn’t be as committed to his cricket and played in less than half the games, but is still another key departure.

“We will be looking for guys to step-up from the second team and show their capabilities. We do have some very promising younger players at the club who are eventually going to make their mark,” said Lambert.

One youngster likely to be given every chance is wicket-keeper/batsman Kieran Hull who has been playing a good standard of cricket with Sedbergh School. When available he will be given every opportunity.

“I suppose you could say we have eight or nine lads who are available every week so there is still a strong nucleus at the club. We also have a very good professional who is coming back for a third season.

“But the big plus, I believe, at Workington cricket club is the team spirit. That was what first attracted me to them when I moved from Whitehaven. So many of the lads came up through the ranks at the club and have played together for a number of years, that team spirit comes naturally to them. I’m hoping that’s going to see us through and help make up for who we have lost,” said the skipper.

Sri Lankan professional Kaushalya Gajasinghe is due back in the week before the opening game against Carlisle.

Before then Workington will be travelling to Manchester to play a 45-over warm-up game against a side from down there.

“I played cricket in Manchester when I was studying before coming up to west Cumbria and that’s how I’ve been able to fix-up this practice match,” said Lambert.