CLUBS in the Keyline and District Taunton Sunday Football League will be competing for a new cup this season - the Jim Jowett Trophy.

It is named after the late Jim Jowett, who was chairman of the league for a number of years until he died recently.

In all teams will be competing in four other competitions - the Gardner Cup which is open to all teams, the Keyline, Mike Whitehead and Mike Stewart Cup, which are divisional trophies.

With the addition of six new teams, the league has reverted back to three smaller divisions.

Several teams have pulled out, including Tone Youth, one of the oldest and most successful sides. 

They have struggled to fulfil a full season in the past couple of years and felt they could no longer commit, but hopefully they will be back again some time.

Another shock omission are last season’s treble winners, Hatters FC. The Wellington side won the second division and both major cups in an astonishing first season but, they too, cannot sign up enough players.

The top flight with eight teams looks a very good division. Bathpool will be defending their league crown, with Hamilton and Castlemoat expected to be their main rivals.

North Curry and Old Inn will also provide strong opposition with Royal Rangers and Ash Rangers also in contention.

Mariners FC and Shepherds Rest will be in the running for the second division title, while White Hart Albion and Watchet Blue Waves will be hoping for better seasons than last time around.,

Churchinford, Sophies Ferrets, Hardly Athletic and Carhampton are also in this division.

Tiger Old Boys are the star newcomers to the third division. The Bridgwater side come to the Taunton League with a big reputation.