HOLDERS Barton have avoided the first round of this season’s Aaron Printers Cup competition after pulling a bye out of the hat.

Barton – ball number 10 in the draw – were one of three clubs handed byes competition sponsor Marcel Massey when he completed the draw in is Newton Abbot shop.

Barton go straight in at the second-round stage, where they will face either Torquay or Chelston & Kingskerswell.

Abbotskerswell, last season’s defeated finalists, are away to Barton in round one. The winners will be at home to Babbacombe in the second round.

South Devon, the host club in the July 5 final, open the competition with a home game against Shaldon.

First round

Bovey Tracey v Paignton, Babbacombe v Abbotskerswell (May 9); Torquay v Chelston & Kingskerswell, South Devon v Shaldon (May 16); Ipplepen v Ashburton (May 23).

Byes: Dartington & Totnes, Barton and Stoke Gabriel.

Second round

Abbotskerswell v Stoke Gabriel (May 23);  Barton v Chelston & Kingskerswell (May 30); Shaldon v Dartington & Totnes, Ipplepen v Paignton (June 6).

Semi-finals

Abbotskerswell (Thursday, June 20):Paignton v Chelston KK.

Paignton (Wednesday, June 26): Stoke Gabriel v Dartington & Totnes.

Final

South Devon CC, July 5