Western Counties Cricket Association (WCCA) will launch the new season by hosting a Sevens Tournament at White Hill Field on April 23.

Organisers are hoping the new event will see as many as eight teams, each comprised of seven players, competing in a round robin format with the top two teams advancing to the final.

All games will consist of 14 overs ? seven overs per team ? with each player allowed to bowl one over.

In addition to the five existing WCCA members, champions Warwick Workmen?s Club, Southampton Rangers, Somerset Bridge, PHC and Willow Cuts, three other teams could be extended invitations to feature in the competition.

?We are trying to move forward,? said WCCA vice president Randy Raynor. ?There are additional plans to stage day and night Cup Match trial matches against Somerset at Somerset Cricket Club just to give younger players in the Western Counties more exposure and the fans more entertainment.

?If we can provide them with more cricket to play, then maybe more youngsters will become involved.?

Meanwhile, WCCA officials have revealed the draw for this year?s senior and junior Western Counties competitions.

Champions Warwick will open the defence of their crown in the first round against Southampton Rangers on June 25 in what will be a repeat of last year?s final.

The eventual winners will take on PHC in the second round on July 9 and compete for the right to meet Somerset Bridge in the third round on August 6 and Willow Cuts in the final round on August 20.

All matches will be held at White Hill Field.

While the junior schedule has yet to be finalised, June 24, July 8 and August 5 have been set aside as dates for the competition to be held.

Southampton Rangers are the defending junior champions.