THE countdown has started to Pershore Tennis Centre's quest to be crowned national indoor doubles champions.

Plans are now being put in place to ensure the players have plenty of vocal support at the David Lloyd Centre in Teesside later this month when they will do battle with 11 other clubs from throughout the United Kingdom.

The National Premier League finals start on Wednesday, March 21 with the finals being staged on Sunday, March 25 when Pershore will be hoping to bring the prestigious title back to Worcestershire.

Pershore are likely to be named as one of the four seeded sides and will not play their first match until Friday, March 23.

In order to ensure the squad gets the best possible support, the club is arranging packages to take supporters to the North East early on the Friday morning in readiness for the anticipated opening quarter-final clash at noon.

Pershore swept all before them in the qualifying rounds and, like their rivals, are now able to add a new name to their list of players.

They have nominated Frenchman Stephane Robert who will join club coaches Richard Crabtree and Andy Banks and the other members of the squad that has ensured the chance to put Pershore on the national stage.

The event is being televised with highlights scheduled for Channel 4 in May.