THE prodigious Jack Taylor Trophy is up for grabs this month following the first round draw made at the recent BGA Annual Dinner covering 14 clubs.

The Trophy was inaugurated in 1971 by the famous Jack Taylor – 10 times BGA Champion - who was keen to pursue a ‘winter’ competition for the club’s top league players.

The competition is a ‘foursomes’ format with five teams from each club with three pairs at home and two away.

Old Links and Breightmet used their prerogative to take advantage of the weather and played their first match in late September.

But it was to no avail for Old Links who had to concede to Breightmet who claimed a 4–1 victory.

This was a surprise defeat for the Links though Breightmet were in good form while Old Links did not take full advantage of their home games.

Two of the stalwarts drawn in the competition are Chorley against Dunscar.

Both clubs have already reached the ten titles record since the 1970’s and have had some keen battles between them over many years.

Despite having to play two matches away, Dunscar will be keen to over-turn their rivals who have not been at their best through the recent league season.

Title holders Turton have received an away draw against Regent Park.

The Park have had one of their worst years in the league and Turton will be giving their utmost to keep hold of their title.

Great Lever, the 2015 league champions who took the title for the first time in the club’s history, will have to be on their metal against Deane who have a good home record though it was 1996 since they last won the coveted Jack Taylor Trophy.

Harwood host Horwich in their match and is likely to be a close encounter. Both clubs did well in the league while the unfortunate Horwich just missed out for a second place spot in the league.

Westhoughton were bottom of the 2015 league table and find themselves with three matches away at Hart Common. The Common must be favourites to steal the show and go through to round two.