DALTON are up and running in the new surroundings of the North Lancs League Premier Division and ready to test themselves against the best.

Their merciless destruction of Wigton in the north of the county last weekend will have given the top-flight newcomers a much-needed confidence boost ahead of tomorrow’s visit of early pacesetters Cockermouth to Ulverston Road.

Liam Steele took six for 29 as the home side were skittled for just 91 and Jack Singleton made short work of that total with 60 not out as Dalton cruised to a nine-wicket win.

Dalton’s return to the North Lancs League Premier Division saw an under-strength side lose heavily to Keswick on the opening day, so the win at Wigton will have done them the world of good.

The Dalton attack will no doubt be put to the test tomorrow by the likes of former county player Gareth White, who struck an unbeaten 132 against Whitehaven.

Reigning champions Furness are looking to bounce back from defeat at Cleator as they host Keswick. Scott Pearcey’s side were undone by wily old campaigner Dave ‘Boots’ Rooney, who took six for 13 as they were dismissed for just 100.

Furness made the home side work hard for their victory, Ryan Tyson taking three for 10, but Cleator crept over the line with two wickets to spare.

Kirkby are both looking to kick-start their Division One season as they head to Priory Road to face an Ulverston side who will be full of beans after an eight-wicket victory over Millom.

Gareth Yates showed great all-round form for the victors, with three wickets and 59 not out.

Lindal Moor’s 100 per cent start to the season could be severely tested at St George’s Road, facing a Millom side aiming to get back to winning ways after that loss to Ulverston.

Another team looking to bounce back are Haverigg, who head to Seascale still smarting from a seven-run defeat at Pennington Lane, when Ed Waind’s spell of six for 26 proved decisive.

The big match in Division Two sees high-fliers Hawcoat Park and Vickerstown lock horns at the sports club. Both teams have 100 per cent records after the opening two rounds.

There is Higson Cup action on Sunday as Furness head north to Wigton, while the Rams will go head-to-head with old rivals Barrow in a mouth-watering County Cup quarter-final next month.

Furness reached the last eight with an eight-wicket win over Penrith, while Barrow received a walkover from their scheduled match at Vickerstown.

Toby Mowat’s Barrow host Lancaster in a top-six Northern League Division One encounter tomorrow looking to leapfrog their opponents. Indian professional Kaustabh Pawar showed his class against St Annes last week – carrying his bat for 124 – while Sam Dutton was also in good nick with 76.

County Cup results: Westgate 167 all out, lost to Cockermouth 170 for 4; Furness 112 for 2 beat Penrith 111 all out; Haverigg 111 all out lost to Wigton 112 for 1 Cleator 140 for 6 beat Carlisle 138 all out; Silverdale 64 a/o lost to Kendal 236 for 8; Keswick 150 all out lost to Netherfield 151 for 5.

Quarter-final draw (to be played June 19): Netherfield v Cockermouth; Workington v Cleator; vWigton; Furness v Barrow.