NORTH Midlands, beaten finalists in last season's Tetley's National Under 20 Rugby Union Championship, will begin their preparations for another attenpt to reach Twickenham with a friendly against Cheshire at Whitchurch tomorrow (2pm).

Survivors from last season's successful squad include Moseley flanker Steve Halbert and full-back Andy Lennon, a United States Under 19 international, as well as Luctonians' hooker Chris Condliffe, who has already captained the North Midlands Under 19s side this season.

North Midlands were beaten by Cheshire at Old Griffinians in the corresponding fixture 12 months ago.