Holders Horsham battle Hastings

20 January 2006

Cockspur Cup winners Horsham will begin the defence of their crown in the second round of the 2006 competition with a trip to fellow Sussex League side Hastings & St Leonards Priory.

The current holders are among those to receive a first round bye in the group stage – and also among an impressive entry of 355 for the competition, well up on the 324 that set off on the road to Lord’s in 2005.

The competition is split into 16 regional groups in 2006, with extra regional groups having been added this year to try and give teams more local opponents in the initial rounds. For example, there are five South East groups; West Sussex-based Horsham sitting in Group 16 (South East V) alongside sides from north Sussex, north Kent and south east London.

Teams progress through four knockout rounds to Group Finals at the start of July; and from there to a national sixth round, quarter and semi-finals ahead of the showpiece finale at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Monday, September 4.

Last season’s runners-up Barnt Green start off in Group Seven (Midlands – West), facing a round two trip to either Stone or Shifnal.

In Group Eight (Midlands – East), 2004 champions Kibworth begin with a first round tie on April 30 at home to Warmley, while 2003 winners Sandiacre Town are in action in the same group that day away to Lichfield.

Download and read the full draw below:

Cockspur Cup - 2006 Draw (284 KB)