BASINGSTOKE and North Hants CC have been given a tough task if they are to win the Don Lynch Aylward Cup for the fourth year running.

The Bountymen have never lost a game in the eight-ball, 15-over competition since they first entered it in 2011.

They will start their defence in the only preliminary round match away at Aldershot, which has to be played before May 27. Victory in this game will see the winners travel to Finchampstead in the last eight. The victors of this game will then face an away semi-final against either Yateley or Eversley.

In the other half of the draw, Dogersfield entertain Cove and Fleet face a visit from Hartley Wintney in the quarter-finals.

Fleet or Hartley will host the semi-final between the two winners of the other last eight encounter.

The final of the competition, at Hartley Wintney, is currently scheduled for July 22.