Watford Observer

Summer may still seem a long way off thanks to the weather but our search is now underway for the 2013 Watford Observer Fourteen14 knockout champions.

Organisers are hopeful the number of entries will surpass the 25 received last year, with Watford Town A ultimately claiming the Shield title for the first time since 1991 after defeating Leverstock Green by eight-wickets in the final.

Only two of the teams who have entered will have the opportunity to battle it out for the main prize, but glory is also on offer to the winners of the Plate, of which Watford Grammar School for Boys are the current holders. As in the previous nine years since its inception, eight teams will participate in this competition, which will run parallel to the latter stages of the Shield.

The organisers wish to thank Chipperfield Clarendon, Met Police Bushey, Watford Town and West Herts, who have agreed to help with hosting this year's semi-finals and Shield final. Other venues for the semi-finals and Plate final will be announced in due course.

The deadline for entries is Thursday, April 18, 2013.

The key competition dates (subject to weather conditions) are:

Friday, May 17 – Shield first round to be completed

Friday, May 31 – Shield second round to be completed

Friday, June 14 – Shield quarter-finals to be completed

Friday, June 21 – Plate first round to be completed

Tuesday, June 25 – Shield semi-final at Met Police Bushey

Thursday, June 27 – Shield semi-final at Watford Town CC

Tuesday, July 2 – Plate semi-final at Watford Town CC

Wednesday, July 3 – Plate semi-final at Chipperfield Clarendon

Tuesday, July 9 – Shield final at West Herts CC

Tuesday, July 16 – Plate final at Met Police Bushey

To enter this year’s competitions, click here

For a copy of this year’s rules, click here

Keep visiting the Competition News section over the coming weeks for all the latest competition news and announcements.