BRETFORTON'S entry into this summers' National Village Championship means there's seven Cotswold Hills League teams setting out on the road to Lord's.

The competition newcomers are joined by Elmley Castle and Overbury in the Worcestershire, Here-fordshire and Powys group and all three have been given a bye into round two.

Bretforton then entertain Rushwick on Sunday, May 11, while Overbury visit Mishaps and Elmley make the trip to Astwood Bank.

One of the most successful local sides in recent years, Exhall and Wixford have also gained exemption into the second round alongside fellow Leicestershire and Warwickshire rivals Bearley Bears and Kineton.

The latter will have home advantage in early May against Gracedieu Park, while Exhall visit Cropston and Bearley face a tough test at former group winners Bardon Hill.

There's also a tough test for Twyning in a busy Gloucestershire group on April 27 when they make the short trip to Bredon.

Slaughters United have been handed a bye, while Dumbleton's scheduled round one opponents have pulled out.

Former finalists, Apperley, meanwhile are in early action after being drawn away to Sheepscombe.

A record 518 clubs have entered this year's competition that is open to teams representing rural communities of fewer than 3,000 people.