Kendal and Netherfield cricket clubs set hopes on date for return

As the pandemic persists in holding off any local sporting events, clubs are using their time to make themselves ready for when they can return to the pitch.

Both the Cumbrian clubs were successful in their completion of the disrupted 2020 season.

READY: Kendal and Netherfield continue to prepare for the new cricket season (Picture and article: Richard Edmondson)

Praise was focused on the clubs' performances and their passion for the game.

Hopes for another successful campaign in 2021 resuming as normal are high as the country begins the mass vaccination of its population from the virus.

However, since the third national lockdown the government are likely to go with a slower return to normality. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be revealing a planned road map back to normality from Monday.

Recent announcements from the government have been on the positive start to the national vaccine rollout, but the Prime Minister gave no comment this week on any set dates that the lockdown measures could potentially be reduced.

Grassroot sports clubs in Cumbria have seen potential dates to return to play postponed throughout the lockdown but many hope that the scheduled dates will hold more promise than the previous.

PLAYING: Netherfield Cricket players in action (Picture and article: Richard Edmondson)

The Northern Premier Cricket League season is scheduled to return on 17 April.

Despite the current uncertainties, all clubs are keen to get a full season in if possible.

Addressing the ongoing Covid situation, Netherfield club secretary Ian Heath expressed his thoughts on the season that awaits his club.

By April this year, cricket clubs will have been out of action for more than 13 months due to the three lockdowns.

Ian said: “The Northern Cricket League had a Zoom management meeting last Thursday and it seems everyone is hoping for a full season whether that be from the scheduled start date of Saturday 17 April or maybe slightly later.

“It is important for all clubs that we get players and juniors back into our clubs so they can enjoy playing the great game of cricket outdoors.

“There is a meeting with the ECB shortly and it is believed that cricket gained a lot of kudos for what we achieved in the shortened season without causing any Covid consequences.

“We may well have some game conditions imposed on us as we did last year like no teas or changing rooms. However, who knows what another ten weeks of injections may result in?”

Netherfield have already come to an agreement with a Professional and Overseas Amateur.

Kendal is yet to announce any significant changes at this time as they wait for further updates from the government that can clarify the situation around the sport.

If the season does get underway as planned on Saturday 17 April, Netherfield club will be playing an away game in Lancaster while Kendal cricketers will be playing at home against Chorley.

Further updates will follow.