Kings Langley will begin the defence of their Watford Observer Fourteen14 Shield title at home to Watford Town B after the draw for this year’s competition was made.

A total of 17 teams went into the hat for the 50th staging of the area's premier limited overs mid-week tournament and the holders could face a potential clash with Leverstock Green A in the last eight if both sides advance.

In line with competition tradition, the eight quarter-finalists from 2017 were seeded through to round two, but the number of entrants this year means only one first round tie is required. This will see Chipperfield Clarendon entertain Rickmansworth School Staff, with a trip to Leverstock A the reward for the victors.

Arguably the pick of the pick of the second round ties is the clash between West Herts and last year’s beaten finalists Northchurch.

Competition packs will be emailed to all club contacts shortly to enable matches to be arranged.

The draw in full is:

Round One (to be played by Friday, May 11)

Chipperfield Clarendon v Rickmansworth School Staff

Round Two (seeds in bold - to be played by Friday, May 25)

Leverstock Green B v Radlett

Aldenham v Watford Town A

Abbots Langley v Watford Grammar School for Boys

West Herts v Northchurch

Aldenham School v Watford Haidery

Langleybury v Bushey

Leverstock Green A v Chipperfield Clarendon or Rickmansworth School Staff

Kings Langley v Watford Town B