GRAYSHOTT open the defence of their I'Anson Cup title at near-neighbours Headley on Saturday.

Another long I'Anson season stretches ahead, with the final matches scheduled for September 27.

Fixtures will be played in the top three divisions this week, with divisions four and five starting on May 3.

Grayshott, I'Anson champions for the first time since 1988, had a splendid season throughout the club in 2002, and hope this strength in depth will serve them well as they attempt to emulate Frensham's decade of dominance in the 1990s.

Paul Osborn continues as captain and Grayshott have a largely unchanged first-team squad, including paceman Ali Lindsey-Clark who broke his ankle on the final day of last season.

Frensham, however, have lost some key players. Most notably, Danny Coldicott, the league's fastest and most consistent pace bowler, has joined Fullers Surrey League side Godalming, where he will team up with skipper Sean Hopkinson, a former Frensham player.

Ben Maxwell, who led Frensham last season, has availability problems and Toby Falkiner, another all-rounder, has decamped to The Bourne where he will play alongside another new arrival, Matt Barnes, formerly of Tilford and Badshot Lea.

Under new skipper Andy Rooke, The Bourne could emerge as strong contenders for the cup.

Puttenham, who finished an excellent second in 2002, will have something to say about that, and Tilford, now led by Chris Wilson, can never be discounted – if they have all their top players available.

Lindford and Thursley will hope to build on their good showings last summer, while Fernhurst will aim for a less stressful season after their dramatic last-day escape last year.

Wood Street, the division two champions, make their debut in the top flight with a match at Dogmersfield. Cranleigh St Andrews, also promoted, have been there before and know what is required.