ORGANISERS have reported a record low response from clubs to their request for entries to the county knockout competitions in 2018.

A total of 39 clubs will take part in the Cheshire Cup and Cheshire Shield, with 23 in the former.

That figure is lower than the 46 that played last season.

“It would appear to me that the proliferation of county fixtures for Cheshire, especially those on a Sunday that take away the best players, is killing the Cheshire Cup,” said Peter Hayes, the competition’s secretary.

“After a poor turnout in 2017, we asked for suggestions as to how we could improve both the cup and the shield.

“We received only three replies, and no major changes have been made.”

The Cheshire County League supplies 18 sides for the Cheshire Cup, which used to regularly attract more than 100 clubs.

Chester Boughton Hall, the holders, have a bye in the first round along with Oulton Park – the only mid Cheshire team in the draw.

The Cheshire Shield features 16 sides, including four from the county league.

Northwich, who lifted the trophy in 2016, host Lindow in their opener next month.

Draws

Cheshire Cup

First round: Alderley Edge v Upton; Bollington v Hawk Green; Bramhall v Alvanley; Grappenhall v Elworth; Marple v Didsbury; Toft v Macclesfield; Widnes v Timperley.

Cheshire Shield

First round: Ashton on Mersey v Mossley; Cheadle Hulme v Ashley; Disley v Hale Barns; Northwich v Lindow; Parkfield Liscard v Woodford; Prestbury v Stockport Trinity; Sandbach v Romiley; Stockport Georgians v Caldy.