DARWEN are hoping to kick-start their title defence in earnest at home to Fleetwood.

The visitors struggled last season but have Indian Abbas Ali as new professional. The game starts at 1pm.

Batsman Chris Lowe, who celebrated his 21st birthday last week, returns for Darwen in the place of Jamie Nicol.

On Sunday it's a clash of the county's two Premier Leagues when Darwen visit Lytham in the first round of the National Knock-out (1.30pm start).

Lytham's UK-based Aussie pro is eligible to play but Darwen's West Indian Keith Semple makes way for Nicol.

Darwen are again on their travels on Bank Holiday Monday at Morecambe, where they come up against hard-hitting South African Ashwell Prince.

Semple returns for Graeme Parkinson in this fixture.

Chorley face a very busy schedule over the bank holiday weekend with a triple header of league and cup matches.

Tomorrow they travel to Stanley Park to take on Blackpool,. who look like being a major force in the Northern Premier League this season. New recruit Mark Lomas got off to a flier last week with 80 not out while professional Marcus Sharp immediately struck form with the ball taking 6-11 in the crushing victory over Preston.,

On Sunday Chorley entertain West Lancashire side Rainford in the first round of the national knockout competition, before welcoming local rivals Leyland to Windsor Park in the Northern Premier League on Monday.