rugby union By John Walsh

Last updated 13:38, Friday, 11 July 2008

CUMBRIA will open their County Championship Shield programme at home to North Midlands next year.

In the same group, also playing their opening game on May 9 will be Leicestershire at home to Cheshire.

Cumbria follow-up with another home game against Cheshire on May 16 and round-of the group on May 23 with Leicestershire.

Cheshire were relegated from the main County Championship after last season’s competition while Leicestershire were promoted from the Plate.

Durham, relegated last season after losing their final game to Cumbria, begin their County Championship Plate campaign with a home game against Notts, Lincs & Derby on May 2.

Yorkshire, holders of the RU County Championships Bill Beaumont Cup, will start their defence with a home game against Shield winners Northumberland when next year’s competition begins on May 9, 2009.

The White Rose side comfortably defeated reigning champions Devon at Twickenham in this season’s final, while Northumberland also enjoyed Twickenham success when they beat Cornwall to add the Shield trophy to their promotion to the top flight.