A NORTHWICH venue is host for a British Inter County Championship match between Cheshire and Essex this weekend.

Their Premier Division encounter takes place at Rudheath Social Club on Saturday and Sunday, when play starts from 11am on both days.

Tony O’Shea, a finalist in seven British Darts Organisation (BDO) majors, leads Cheshire’s men’s A team on Sunday along with Winsford’s Dave Bird, who graduated from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) qualifying school this time last year.

On Saturday, Stuart Kellett and Moulton-based Charlie Burns are part of Cheshire men’s B side.

John Warburton, who lives in Lostock Gralam, Matty Hunt (Weaverham) and Steve Lomas (Winsford) have been named as reserves.

Jane Stubbs and Bev Martin, who play for Rudheath in the Cheshire Super League, have been selected for the women’s A team on Sunday.

Andrea Hunt and Heidi Williams, both from Winsford, are in Cheshire B’s line-up.

Cheshire have climbed to fifth in the table following wins in their past two matches, but face a difficult challenge against third-placed Essex.

Admission for spectators, which permits entry on both days, is £4.