North Down will begin their bid for a fourth successive Challenge Cup triumph with an away game against Carrickfergus on May 20, desperately hoping for good weather. The rules of next year's Newry & Down Democrat-sponsored competition allow for only one rearrangement if rain prevents a start and if there is no play in the second game a bowl-out shall decide the cup tie.

Carrick's ground at Middle Road was out of action for almost the entire month of May this year and a repeat next summer would appear to be North Down's biggest danger of getting through what should be a straightforward opening tie. The length of the Section One table separated the cup holders and Carrickfergus this year, the latter only keeping their place in the top section because of the ineligible registration of South African Gerhard Els at Derriaghy.

As a result of their relegation, Derriaghy must play a first round match, at home to Cooke Collegians, to get a game against a Premier League side. It is a good incentive, however, with a home game against Instonians for the winners, although the Shaw's Bridge side will have new signing Regan West, last year's Northern Ireland Player of the Year, available for the match.

It proved a good draw for the Section Two sides with two teams assured of a place in the quarter finals. Muckamore, who lost last year's promotion play-off, will be favourites to emerge from an opening round game at Larne and they will then be expected to beat either Dunmurry or Armagh.

Woodvale are also in a great position to continue their success in the competition over the last decade. A first round success at Ballymena will give them a second round game at Laurelvale or CIYMS with a place in the last eight for the winners. Downpatrick, last year's beaten cup finalists and the hosts for the second successive year, were given a second round game at Cliftonville, one of four all-Premier League ties.

Waringstown, last year's joint league champions, have a derby clash against Lurgan, at Pollock Park and newly promoted Civil Service North were drawn away to Lisburn. Bangor would appear to have the easiest second round game � they are sure to be at home to a Section Three team, as the only two in the competition, Donacloney and Holywood, were drawn together in the first round.