NORTH Midlands Cup holders Newport begin their title defence at home to Hereford in this season’s quarter-finals.

Newport won the cup for the third time when they beat Bromsgrove in the final which was held at Dudley Kingswinford.

They have been given a bye through the preliminary round as have Hereford who will travel to Forton Road for a tie to be played on or before October 13.

Bromsgrove face a preliminary round tie at Malvern who won the North Midlands Shield last season.

The winners will be away to either Droitwich or Worcester in the quarter-finals.

Dudley Kingswinford face a Black Country derby against Old Halesonians at Heathbrook in the other preliminary round tie.

The winners will travel to Bournville in the quarter-finals.

In the North Midlands Shield, Old Saltleians, who were beaten by Malvern in last month’s final, will host Ludlow in the preliminary round on or before September 1.

The winners will travel to Shrewsbury in the quarter-finals.

Ledbury host Upton, Evesham entertain Oswestry and Kidderminster Carolians head to Edwardians.

Evesham could welcome Ledbury or Upton in the last eight while Kidderminster would be at home to Harborne or Old Yardleians if they win through.

Chaddesley Corbett host Stourport in the North Midlands Vase preliminary round on August 25 while Greyhound entertain Five Ways Old Edwardians and Tenbury visit Dixonians.

Dudley Wasps, beaten finalists in last season’s Vase, go to Birmingham Civil Service.