The clocks have yet to go forward but we are launching our annual search for our own limited overs cricket champions.

The Watford Observer Fourteen14 has long been established as the premier event of its kind in the area and clubs have until Thursday, April 16 to enter and be in with a chance of emulating Radlett, who won the Shield for the second time in four years with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Abbots Langley last summer.

As with previous years, entry details are available on this website and teams wishing to take part should click here.

This form should be printed off, completed and returned to the stated address with a cheque for £40 to cover the competition entry fee, which remains unchanged.

There have been no changes to the competition rules this year but teams are still required to submit a squad list after this new stipulation was introduced last year.

Teams considering entering are strongly advised to read the rules, together with the list of key competition dates. These can also be read via this link.

Only two of the teams will have the chance to battle it out for the main prize but a Watford Observer title is also on the offer to winners of the Plate of which Leverstock Green A are the current holders.

As in the previous 12 years since the Plate was established, eight teams will participate in the event, which will run parallel to the latter stages of the Shield.

Venues for the semi-finals and Plate final will be announced in due course but the organisers wish to thank West Herts CC for agreeing to host the Shield final on Tuesday, July 7.