RIDLEY League Dominoes Cup holders Flitch Snooker A open their trophy defence in Chelmsford on October 9 with a fixture which is becoming almost as regular as Christmas! Opponents Chelmsford City FC A, in their previous guise as the White Horse, were amon

RIDLEY League Dominoes Cup holders Flitch Snooker A open their trophy defence in Chelmsford on October 9 with a fixture which is becoming almost as regular as Christmas!

Opponents Chelmsford City FC A, in their previous guise as the White Horse, were among the club's victims last season. The teams also met in 2004 (the Horse went on to reach the final) - and additionally, fought out the league title in 2002, when the club played as the Kicking Dickey and their rivals as Chelmsford Red Lion.

The first round of the Darts Cup on October 23 sends last season's beaten finalists Rayne Cock to Margaretting to face 2006 holders the Black Bull, and throws up a tasty-looking tie between Felsted Chequers and Flitch B.

The Chequers should know the strength of their North Section challenge by Tuesday night, after meeting two of the likely contenders in the first fortnight. They follow their opening visit to the Retreat with a home clash against Flitch Snooker A.

Down South, last season's South Section wooden spoonists the Bird in Hand get a chance to measure their hoped-for improvement in a visit to Hatfield Peverel Swan.