There are two clear 'form' favourites for the title - Berkhamstead winner Andy Sullivan and Midland Closed winner Sam Dodds. They play on different sides of the draw starting at 8.56 and 13.56.

Sam plays with Dave Westwood and Liam Mallin, both of whom have mounted serious challenges for the championship in recent years, whilst Andy has the company of Mark Davies and James Smith, two of the plus handicappers in the field.

The only past champion playing is Ben Stafford - many have obviously turned professional and Matt Cryer has had to miss this year's event as it is the Welsh Strokeplay and he feels he has to shown some national success to the England Selectors. Ben has the company of County Captain Gareth Jenkins and Mens Matchplay Champion Michael McCormack

There are several two junior and one senior trios - notably James Kerr and Phil Westall who are joined by Karl Smith - Will Bailey and Harry Ibbertson with Dale Middleton. Boys Captain Rob Bardsley goes out with Andy Colley of the home club Ladbrook Park, but their challenge may well come from Fred Jewsbury who is capable of some incredible feats of scoring and one of our top county juniors Chris Freeman. Ladbrook look sure to challenge for the Team title as well.

Last year's Runner-up Dale Marson now works at Stratford Golf Club, in the Pro shop, so he will have had the chance to play more over a similar course design - he could go one place better.

The Boys team who will play in the Midland Qualifier on 29th May will be

Rob Bardsley (Captain) - Moor Hall

Jamie Carney - Shirley

Michael McCormack - Moor Hall

Chris Freeman - Ladbrook Park

Tom Ibbertson - Coventry Hearsall

Phil Wastell - Nuneaton

Reserve : Andrew Geraghty - Maxstoke Park