AFTER two weekends of rain affected friendlies, the serious stuff begins this afternoon, with four fixtures scheduled in the 50 Overs' League. The holders, Carlisle, must wait until next weekend before beginning their campaign but last year's beaten finalists, Malahide open up with a home fixture, against The Hills.

We've become accustomed to Malahide beginning each season with a flurry of victories before tailing off mid summer. This year they have aimed for a less hectic start, Justin Benson is currently involved with the international team and so they have arranged their fixtures accordingly. He will join the team after next weekend's trip to Billerickay. However, they will still have to cope with the loss of Brian Gilmore, who has moved to Australia for a couple of years. Alan Brophy is also missing for today's game and so The Hills start as favourites.

Probably the best prepared team for this season is Leinster, who have been working hard since shortly after Christmas. They are at home to North County, for whom South African Richard Beukes makes his home debut.

In Section B, the only game is at The Mardyke, where Cork County make their Leinster Senior League debut against Trinity. The visitors have been strengthened by the return to student colours of Conor Hoey.