CHESHIRE begin their County Championship programme against Durham at Winnington Park tomorrow with high hopes of another good run.

They last won the title in the 1997- 98 season and were runners-up to Gloucestershire in 2001-02.

Only about half of last season's players are included. "We have moved on," said Roger Blake, selectors' chairman.

New Brighton, Birkenhead Park and Macclesfield provide the bulk of the squad, but Caldy and others are also represented.

New Brighton players with the county are Jon Sewell, Richard Bradshaw, Adam Kettle, Tom Mapp and Anthony Birley, who has topped the National Three North League scoring table this season.

Birkenhead Park have Ian Kennedy, Chris Planchant, Christian Jones, Steve Clarke and Paul Kay in the pack, and up and coming Jake Lyon (Caldy) is included to gain experience.

Victory tomorrow would give Cheshire an away game against Yorkshire or Berkshire in the next stage.

Caldy tomorrow stage a National Colts Tens tournament with 10 sides competing before their annual Merseyside Sevens on Sunday.

Sale Jets will defend their title and last year's runners-up, Waterloo, are included along with New Brighton and Birkenhead Park.

There will be three knockout events after the initial league stages for the main Okell Shield. Twenty four teams appear on Sunday. Play starts at 11.00am with finals around 6.00pm.