HOLDERS Knutsford B begin the defence of their Knutsford Friday League Team Knockout against lower-ranked High Legh B when this season’s edition starts on Friday.

Chelford B, beaten in last year’s final, have been paired with five-time winners Mere A.

The pick of the first-round ties pits Swettenham A against Division One rivals Railway A, whose only previous final success was in 1992, at Chelford.

Goostrey A’s date with Mere B, at Victory Hall, is the only other opening-stage encounter to feature two top-flight sides.

Victory Hall A, winners in two of the past four finals, are one of eight teams to receive a bye to the competition’s last 16.

Draw

Round One (handicap in brackets): Mere A (20) v Chelford B (84) at Knutsford BC; Swettenham A (16) v Railway A (8) at Chelford; Goostrey A (40) v Mere B (44) at Victory Hall; Chelford A (76) v Victory Hall B (56) at Goostrey; Church Inn A (92) v Cranford B (52) at High Legh; Knutsford B (60) v High Legh B (80) at Mere; Goostrey B (88) v Warford Park B (36) at Cranford; Church Inn B (48) v Oughtrington B (64) at Warford Park.