Defending Gloucestershire champions Painswick will entertain Frocester in the first round of this year’s Cawston Press Village Cup.
Painswick are aiming to make the nationwide cricket tournament’s national rounds for the fourth year running. Apperley, who were granted a bye, will travel to the winner of that tie in round two.
Frocester’s status as a top flight side in the West of England Premier Cricket League means they are only permitted to enter a 2nd XI under tournament rules, while no such restrictions befall Painswick, who play in the tier below in the same league system.
Last year, Painswick found themselves just three games shy of a dream Lord’s final, reaching the last 16 of the national rounds before being knocked out by WEPL Premier 2 divisional rivals Goatacre, from Wiltshire.
Elsewhere in the Gloucestershire group, round one will play host to something of a Severnside derby when Frampton on Severn play Oldbury on Severn.
Charlton Kings, the group’s only first-time entrants this year, have been drawn away at Cam.
A modern-day record of 403 clubs entered this year’s Village Cup, held since 1972 and sponsored this year by premium soft drinks manufacturer Cawston Press, prompting organisers to restructure the regional groups in order to reduce travelling times in the early rounds.
The move, which has not affected the Gloucestershire group, also means fewer preliminary round fixtures are required.
Round one fixtures are due to be held on Sunday 26 April, with fixtures scheduled fortnightly thereafter.
