Tuff Dogs and Western Stars will provide the opposition for holders Devonshire Recreation Club when the Central Counties stage their two match series on August 7 and 21 at Devonshire Rec.

North Village, the fourth team in the counties, are unable to compete this year, leaving Tuff Dogs to go up against the champions on August 7, with Western Stars to meet the winners in the final on August 21.

The two dates clash with the Western Counties, who will play their third and fourth rounds on the same Saturdays, with new champions PHC playing Willow Cuts on August 7 and the winner meeting Southampton Rangers two weeks later.

“Unfortunately we have to double up with the Western Counties,” said Central Counties official Dennis Williams.

County dates are booked up from July right to the end of August.

“But it may work out, too, because we have restrictions on crowd sizes and people who are unable to attend one match have another option.

“Our normal dates are usually the end of May and Jun,e but because of the late start to cricket we have had to push it back to these dates. We hope to return to our normal dates next season.”

PHC created some new excitement in the counties with their upset over holders Warwick on Saturday when Davin Dill, the PHC batsman, scored a maiden Western Counties century (111 not out) as Warwick won by 119 runs.

This Saturday sees the first round of the Eastern Counties at Sea Breeze Oval where St David’s begin the defence of their title against Flatts.