HOLDERS Atherton will start the defence of the Bolton Cricket Association's Cross Cup away from home.

They have been drawn away at Lostock in the first round and, should they come through that, will face a testing game, again away, in the second round at the winners of the first round tie between champions Walshaw and Clifton.

In the rest of the draw, Darcy Lever are away to Standish, Little Hulton entertain Blackrod, Adloington go to Elton and Edgworth play hosts to Golborne. Astley and Tyldesley are given a bye for the second year in succession.

Meanwhile Association second teams will play for a new trophy when they stage their own knockout competition next season.

For years the teams have competed for the Halliwell Shield but this is now being replaced by the Isherwood Cup - a trophy first presented by the Association in 1889.

Secretary Roy Cavanagh explained that the Isherwood Cup had been played for by second division teams but when they went their separate ways, the Cup remained the property of the Association.

"It seemed strange that such a valued trophy was being kept in mothballs so we decided to put it to use for the second teams."

On Friday the Association stage their presentation night at Leigh Miners Welfare Club when Lancashire CC's Mike Watkinson, who next year will be playing in the Bolton League at Walkden, will be the guest speaker.