DRAKES League clubs should have new cricket balls and handbooks delivered by Saturday’s opening set of fixtures.

The new Romida balls were being delivered today from Manchester Airport and will be handed out to each club’s second XI umpire at tomorrow night’s meeting at Broad Oak.

The handbooks will be given to Umpires Association members at their Broad Oak meeting on Thursday, and they will deliver them to the clubs where they are officiating this weekend.

The balls have been held up by customs because of a paperwork hitch, while the handbook has been delayed in production.

Watch out for our season previews – starting tomorrow.