BOLTON Association champions Atherton have drawn a home tie against Urmston in the first round of cricket’s National Knockout, while Bolton League runners-up Westhoughton face a tough trip to Prestwich.

The draw, which was made yesterday, has not been kind to the majority of our local sides throwing up a host of difficult away matches, with Bradshaw travelling to Blackpool, Horwich at Preston and Farnworth visiting Alderley Edge.

Most of the ties will be played on Sunday, April 27.

Selected National Knockout first round draw: Astley Bridge v Kendal, Blackpool v Bradshaw, Eagley v St Annes, Darwen v Egerton, Alderley Edge v Farnworth, Farnworth SC v Bramhall, Horwich v Preston, Tonge v Hyde, Prestwich v Westhoughton, Atherton v Urmston and Bowdon v Astley and Tyldesley.