THE Basingstoke and District Saturday and Sunday Leagues start their campaigns this weekend.

Since the AGM, when the Saturday league formation was announced, three clubs have withdrawn.

The Premier Division has been reduced to seven with the shock withdrawal of newly promoted FC Everest (formerly Skewers).

Two sides Pure Spartan and Chineham Albion have quit Division One due to a lack of interest.

This means there is only six clubs remaining and an application has been made to the Hampshire FA for the clubs in these two divisions to play each other three times, with the expenses of the third game shared between the two clubs.

In Division Two there is no change with all 11 sides set to start.

All Saturday League clubs are reminded they must phone in their results and report to the press officer Peter Raynbird on 01256 464621 on Saturday evening before 9pm. Fines will be imposed for failure to comply with this league rule.

The opening round of Saturday fixtures is as follows:

Premier Division: Tadley Calleva A v Rising DC, Welly Old Boys v Bramley United.

Division 1: Hook Res v Hampshire Irons, North Warnborough 2014 v Twentyten, Overton United A v DJS Telecoms.

Division 2: AFC Berg v Overton United B, Basingstoke Ath v Sherborne St John Res, Basingstoke Labour Club v Herriard Sports, Preston Candover v AFC Aldermaston A, Winklebury Wizards.

Sunday's first games are:

Division 1: Kaiser Wessex v Basingstoke Saints, Lamb Inn v Tron, Oakley v South View, Soldiers Return v Dayers Fine Foods.

Division 2: FC Everest v Chineham, Hampshire Irons v New Inn, RAF Odiham Blades v Oakley Res, UWS v North Warnborough Two.

Division 3: AFC Golden Lion v Eastrop Eagles, Basing Utd v Soldiers Return Res, Chineham Res v Team FC, DG Ath v Chineham Ath.