PREPARATION for the start of a new competitive cricket season will step up for Dunfermline and Carnegie this weekend with friendly matches scheduled to take place.

The East of Scotland Cricket Association (ESCA) campaign is set to begin on April 27 and, ahead of the opening day's play, the McKane Park outfit are hoping to play a trio of games this weekend.

Weather permitting, Dunfermline and Carnegie's first XI will travel to Livingston on Saturday, whilst the seconds host Glenrothes, and, on Sunday, a 20/20 match has been arranged at McKane against Drummond Trinity.

The teams for those matches will contain a mix of all three of the club's sides, who are set to begin their league seasons on the final weekend of the month.

It will be a first campaign as head coach for South African off-spinner, Patrick Couper, who was appointed into the role last year, as the club aim to try and challenge for promotion.

The first XI will compete in Division Two and open their season at home to Edinburgh seconds, whilst the seconds begin their Division Five campaign at Livingston seconds.

In Division Eight, Dunfermline and Carnegie's third XI also start at home, going up against Tranent and Preston Village fives.

On every Friday in April, the club are offering a 'try cricket' initiative, and is open to anyone aged between 6-16.

Held from 6-8pm at McKane, youngsters can enjoy professional coaching, develop their skills, and take part in fun drlls.

No experience is required for the free sessions, and more information is available on their Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Broomhall will also begin their season on April 27 in Division Two of the Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union (SPCU) leagues.

The Charlestown-based club will open their fixtures away to Strathmore second XI before playing their first home tie at the Cairns a week later against Kinloch threes.

Due to an increase in teams in the division due to a restructure, they will play each team once, in addition to traditional home and away games against Kinloch seconds and St Modans seconds.

The club are also set to field a Sunday XI and, to find out more, you can also find them on Facebook.