Cheshire swept aside Notts to set themselves up for a record 10th victory in the 30-year history of the Four Counties Junior Tournament at Hawkstone Park yesterday (Thursday).

Reddish Vale's Adam Stott fired them on their way when he beat Dan Malcolm four and three, and by the time Marple's Jamie Howarth had despatched Adam Oliver six and four, it was all over bar the shouting.

Cheshire, who won by four points, need only a half today against Lancashire - 4-3 winners over Shropshire and Herefordshire - to retain the title.

Meanwhile, it will be a case of keeping up with the Joneses for the rest of the Cheshire first team when new skipper Ray Hughes leads them into their opening match of the season against North Wales at Leasowe on Saturday.

There are three of them in the line-up - Mark, from Sale, and the two Mikes, from Heswall and Royal Liverpool.

Making his debut in a side depleted by five players turning pro over the winter is Tim Kightley, from Mottram Hall.