THE first major derby match of the new cricket season pits Netherfield at home to Kendal on Sunday (May 13) in the second round of the National Clubs' Knockout Championship.

Both clubs have made good starts to the season in the Northern Premier League and the match at Netherfield's Parkside ground promises to be a close encounter. Sunday also sees the first round of the Westmorland Cricket League's major cup competition, the Hackney and Leigh Trophy. The pick of the first round games include: Westgate v Milnthorpe, Coniston v Netherfield and Kirkby Lonsdale v Ingleton. All matches start at 2pm.

AFTER a slow start in the Westmorland area the Hound Trailing season is gathering pace and the dogs can be seen in action at Kendal Old Racecourse, Brigsteer Road, tomorrow (Saturday), at Sawrey on Sunday and at Cartmel on Wednesday. The weekend trails start from 2pm and the Wednesday meeting is a 6pm.

LAKELAND'S major road passes will test the stamina of 800 cyclists taking part in Sunday's (May 13) annual Fred Whitton Challenge. The event follows a circular 112 miles route starting and finishing at Coniston and takes in the passes of Kirkstone, Honister, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose. Riders start individually from 6am until 9pm but have to reach Buttermere Youth Hostel by noon in order to qualify for a finishing time. Spectators are asked not to try to follow their favourites by car, but to use outer-lying roads to get to and from vantage points.

SPEEDS of up 120mph are expected on the uphill straight of Barbon Manor's famous hill tomorrow (Saturday) when Westmorland Motor Club stages its first hill climb of the year. The event is part of the British Hillclimb Championship and starts at 2pm, with practice from 10am. Ulverston garage owner Keith Edwards is likely to be among the front-runners in his 2.2l turbocharged Audi Quattro.