Open/Men’s Trophy: Last season’s runners-up Bowdon 2s travel to Nottingham Hockey Centre to face Beeston 2s in a Midlands Prem vs North West Prem clash. Bowdon were edged out 1-0 in last season’s final against City of Peterborough, and their quest to go one better begins here.
Ashford (Middlesex), who lifted the Tier 2 secondary competition last season, welcome islanders Guernsey as they start their campaign this weekend.
Women’s Trophy: Guildford 2s were victorious last season, beating Knole Park 1-0 at Lee Valley. This year, the club has entered their 3XI at this level, and they travel to Maidenhead 1s aiming to maintain the club’s presence on the Trophy.
Open/Men’s Vase: A tantalising internal club showdown sees current Tier 3 champions, Tulse Hill & Dulwich 2s, take on their own 3XI in what promises to be a thrilling Saturday clash.
Elsewhere, last season’s Tier 4 finalists have earned promotion to Tier 3. North Stafford, who lifted the Tier 4 Cup, face Nuneaton, while University of Nottingham 6s – narrow runners-up in the same final – meet Berkswell & Balsall Common in their first Tier 3 outing.
Atherstone Adders, winners of last season’s Tier 3 secondary competition, host Charnwood Forest on 2 November as they look to make an impact in the main competition this season.
Women’s Vase: Beeston 3s, last season’s national champions, open their campaign against Stafford in a Midlands Div 2 East vs West clash. The defending champions will be looking to replicate their 3-1 triumph over Loughborough Students 4s from last year.
Sunbury & Walton Hawks, who lifted the Tier 3 secondary title last season, begin this season’s competition journey with a trip to Chertsey Thames Valley.
Open/Men’s Bowl: With last season’s finalists promoted to Tier 3, a new champion is guaranteed. Surbiton Originals and City of Manchester 2s, the losing semi-finalists, are back for another shot at glory. City of Manchester 2s host Sandbach, while Surbiton travel to face Wanderers 3s.
Sandbach, last season’s secondary competition runners-up after a 3-1 shoot-out loss to Devonport 2s, will look for redemption away to City of Manchester 2s.
Women’s Bowl: Knole Park 2, last season’s champions, do not feature this year, but losing finalists Triton return to host Bournville & Kings Heath 2s on 9 November. West Derby, last year’s secondary competition winners, travel to Horwich with hopes of adding to their silverware collection.
