LORD Bledisloe Challenge Cup holders Alderbury were among five clubs handed byes to the second round stage of this season’s contest when the draw was made.

South Newton & Wishford, St Pauls FC, Chalke Valley and Bemerton Heath Harlequins Colts are also over the first hurdle of the Nadder Valley League’s showpiece competition without kicking a ball in anger.

Porton Sports were drawn at home to Tisbury United, while Castle Street Club were paired with Damerham. Beacon Sports will host West Harnham in the other first round tie, scheduled to be played on Saturday, October 14.

The draws for both the first and second rounds were made on Thursday, August 24 at The Salisbury Journal’s offices in Rollestone Street, in recognition of the newspaper’s involvement with the 2006/07 competition.

As well as publicising its fixtures and results throughout the season, the Journal is also launching a website for the league which will highlight all three of its cup competitions as well as providing features, news and statistics relating to the league which was formed in 1920.

The Journal’s sports editor Mike Turner and the league secretary Trevor Coombs conducted Thursday’s draw.

“The Lord Bledisloe Cup has a fascinating history and is always keenly contested,” said Turner, who was recently appointed its competition secretary.

“We’ll be following this season’s matches even more closely in print, and those teams involved will be able to access the latest news about the games online via the Journal’s website.”

Two of the sides receiving byes – Bemerton Heath Harlequins Colts and Alderbury – will meet in the second round.

First round draw in full...

Porton Sports v Tisbury United
Castle Street Club v Damerham
Beacon Sports v West Harnham
Clubs receiving byes to second round: South Newton & Wishford, St Pauls FC, Alderbury, Chalke Valley and Bemerton HH Colts.
(ties to be played Saturday, October 14)

Second round draw in full...

St Pauls v Beacon Sports or West Harnham
Bemerton HH Colts v Alderbury
Castle Street Club or Damerham v South Newton & Wishford
Chalke Valley v Porton Sports or Tisbury United
(ties to be played Saturday, December 16)