LOCAL clubs have been busy preparing for the new rugby union league season which begins on September 5, but many will be in action this Saturday in County cup competitions.

Caldy will open their league campaign with a trip to Sale in National Two North on September 5.

National Three North fixtures include Wirral v Rossendale and Birkenhead Park at Stockport.

Some of the lower divisions have been changed but South Lancashire/Cheshire One remains and houses three locals. New Brighton have a home derby against Hoylake and Anselmians go to Collegiate.

Divisions Two and Three have gone and one of the replacements is Merseyside West.

Opening games here include Wallasey at Birchfield, Ellesmere Port v Southport, Prenton at Mossley Hill, Port Sunlight at Newton le Willows and an Oldershaw v Oxton Parkonians derby.

Cheshire Cup quarter final ties this coming Saturday (3pm) include Caldy at Lymm and Wirral v Macclesfield.

In the Vase there is an Anselmians v Birkenhead Park derby whilst New Brighton head for Winnington Park.

Bowl quarter finals ties include a Port Sunlight v Prenton derby and Hoylake v Bowdon.

Quarter finals include Oxton Parkonians v Congleton, Ellesmere Port v Ashton on Mersey and another all Wirral affair involving Wallasey v Oldershaw.