The draw for the 2023 Voneus Village Cup has been completed, with Dumbleton (Worcestershire) beginning their title defence in round two with an away trip to either Bretforton or Hagley.
Some 370 teams, including 24 former champions (from a possible 35), entered the draw, which was conducted by Jim Hindson and The Cricketer editor, Huw Turbervill, in the Committee Room at Lord’s.
Among those hoping to be crowned national champions on Sunday, September 3 are Calmore Sports Club, who have reached the past two finals and lifted the trophy in 2021. They will begin their campaign with a tricky home clash against Village Cup stalwarts, Sarisbury Athletic.
2020 champions Colwall are also on the hunt for a second crown and will host Wormelow on May 7 (round two). Meanwhile, in Cheshire & Clwyd, a blockbuster first-round clash between 2021 runners-up Alvanley and two-time champions Caldy will be one to watch.
Defending champions Dumbleton will enter the competition in round two
However, for some clubs their Village Cup journey could be over before the first round proper gets underway.
In Hampshire, the biggest group with 19 entrants, there will be three preliminary fixtures, while a number of teams in North Yorkshire (North), East Midlands, Oxfordshire and Sussex will also get underway on April 9.
Four-time champions Woodhouse Grange (North Yorkshire (North)), the most successful side in Village Cup history, are among the sides on the longest road to Lord’s, beginning their campaign in the preliminary round against Staithes.
A further 18 regions will enter the competition in round one while teams in Scotland, Northumberland, North Yorkshire (South), West Midlands, Warwickshire, Herefordshire & Powys, Northamptonshire, Dyfed and Beds & Herts will join the action in round two.
In Beds & Herts, three-time champions Reed and 2020 finalists Redbourn could meet in the regional final. They face Sawbridgeworth and Wheathampstead, respectively, in round two.
Foxton Granta (Cambridgeshire & Norfolk) will be aiming to go one better than last year after reaching the semi-finals and will entertain Nassington in round one while in Glamorgan & Gwent, Sully Centurions and Sully Spartans are on course to do battle in round two.
2021 champions and 2022 finalists Calmore will face Sarisbury Athletic in round one
And in Scotland, 1985 champions Freuchie will begin their campaign with a 100-mile trip across land and sea to take on Bute County.
The draw for the national rounds will take place at a later date.
Friday, February 17 also marks the launch of the ‘Voneus Village Cup Community Legends’ competition, a brand new accolade for clubs playing in the 2023 Voneus Village Cup.
Clubs who can demonstrate that they are integral to their rural communities are invited to enter this competition, with a prize of £500 for the Ultimate End of Season Do up for grabs.
Entries are open until April 30.
Full details are available here.
To view the full list of fixtures, click here.
Keep up to date with the Voneus Village Cup by following the competition on Twitter (@TheCricketerNVC) and Instagram (@villagecup)
