WORCESTER Wanderers have been drawn at home to Hereford in the first round of next season’s North Midlands Cup competition.

Wanderers lost to Newport in the final of last season’s event.The champions also have a home tie against Dudley Kingswinford with matches due to be played on November 8.

Bromsgrove, who are also back in the county cup following their relegation from National Two North, have home advantage against Old Halesonians in one of the other first round ties.

In the North Midlands Shield, holders Bridgnorth will begin their title defence with a trip to either Woodrush or Aston OE in the second round on September 6.

Woodrush were beaten finalists in the North Midlands Vase last month but have returned to the Shield following promotion to Midlands Three West (South).

Bredon Star, the North Midlands Vase holders, will travel to play newcomers Church Stretton in the second round on September 9.

This year three plate competitions have been introduced for sides beaten in the first round of the Cup, Shield and Vase.

North Midlands Cup first round draw: Whitchurch v Bournville, Newport v Dudley Kingswinford, Bromsgrove v Old Halesonians, Worcester Wanderers v Hereford. Ties to be played on November 8.

North Midlands Shield first round draw: Woodrush v Aston OE, Ledbury v Edwardians, Upton v Harborne. Ties to be played on weekend of August 30 and 31.

Second round draw: Old Yardleians v Ledbury or Edwardians, Moseley Oak v Pershore, Kidderminster Carolians v Shrewsbury, Droitwich v Veseyans, Upton or Harborne v Camp Hill, Stourbridge Lions v Old Saltleians, Woodrush or Aston OE v Bridgnorth, Ludlow v Malvern. Ties to be played on September 6.

North Midlands Vase first round draw: Dudley Wasps v Chaddesley Corbett, Aldridge v Warley. Ties to be played on weekend of August 30 and 31.

Second round draw: Church Stretton v Bredon Star, Bishops Castle v Redditch, Kings Norton v Yardley & District, Greyhound v Tenbury, Five Ways OE v Cleobury Mortimer, Telford Hornets v Market Drayton, Aldridge or Warley v Ross on Wye, Dudley Wasps or Chaddesley Corbett v Birmingham Exiles. Ties to be played on September 6.