EIGHT teams from the new expanded Bolton Cricket League will take part in the first round of the National Knockout next season.

And there will be a number of firsts with Bolton League clubs coming up against teams from two new leagues for the first time.

There will be special interest in Farnworth's trip to Clifton, Little Lever's match at Bamford Fieldhouse and Kearsley's home tie against Dukinfield as they are the first fixtures between Bolton League and Greater Manchester League clubs.

Wealthy Bamford Fieldhouse are back playing after a spell out of league cricket and the ambitious club funded by Bury businessman Andy Barton have impressive facilities and a squad littered with high standard players.

Westhoughton and Bradshaw face teams from the newly-formed Pennine League in the shape of Littleborough at home and Walsden away, respectively.

Horwich and Eagley meet Northern League sides Leyland away and St Annes at home, respectively, while Daisy Hill travel to Cheshire County League side Marple.

National Knockout first round draw (involving Bolton League clubs):

Leyland v Horwich

Eagley v St Annes

Kearsley v Duckinfield

Bamford Fieldhouse v Little Lever

Westhoughton v Littleborough

Walsden v Bradshaw

Darcy Lever v Hyde

Clifton v Farnworth

Marple v Daisy Hill