NEWENT’S defence of the Forest of Dean and District Senior Combination Cup will have to wait after they were given a bye in the preliminary round of this year’s competition.

Last year’s runners-up Cinderford United host Berry Hill on Saturday December 3 and the winners will take on Newent away in the semi-final.

Drybrook welcome Lydney United to the Mannings ground in the other draw, with both games set to be played by Sunday April 2.

The Senior final will take place at Bream RFC on Sunday May 7 at 3pm.

The Junior Cup first round sees six teams in action, with Cinderford Stags given a bye.

Berry Hill II take on Drybrook United, while Gloucester Two rivals Westbury-on-Severn and Ross-on-Wye will also face off.

Newent II host Bream in the round’s final tie, all to be played by April 2.

Cinderford Stags will take on the winners of Newent II v Bream in the semi-finals, to be played by April 23 and the final will be played at Lydney’s Regentsholme ground on Saturday May 6 at 3pm.

Cinderford Bucks host Ross II in the first round of the Minor Cup, and Bream II welcome Berry Hill Wappers.

The winners of those two ties will face off in the semi finals, while Drybrook Extras take on Westbury II.

The Minor Cup final will be played at Cinderford RFC on Sunday April 23 at 3pm.