TIME is running out for local clubs to enter this year's Watford Observer Linden Homes Knockout Competition.

The deadline for teams to confirm their participation is Thursday, and the organisers are hoping the field will grow from the 16 teams who have so far returned completed entry forms.

The biggest name conspicuous by its absence is that of defending Shield champions Kings Langley. In addition, event regulars such as Aldenham, Clarendon and Northwood have still to throw their hat into the ring, but organisers expect the entry rate to improve markedly with the deadline looming.

To enter your team, fill in the form published in last week's Watford Observer and return it together with a cheque for the £30 entry fee.

The final of the main Shield competition will be staged at West Herts' Park Avenue ground on Tuesday, July 10, with a reserve date of Thursday, July 12, while the Plate event will reach its climax at Watford Town's Woodside home on Tuesday, July 17. The organisers are also delighted to announce that Met Police Bushey have once again agreed to host the Plate semi-finals on Tuesday, July 3, meaning that both matches can be played simultaneously side by side. That leaves the two neutral venues for the last four clashes in the Shield to be finalised and it is hoped this will be done shortly.

Only two of the teams who enter will have the opportunity to battle it out for the Shield top prize of £600, but glory and another cash reward is on offer to the winners of the Plate.

As in previous years, eight teams will participate in this competition, which will run parallel to the latter stages of the Shield, with the winners receiving £200, and £100 going to the runners-up.

In addition to the first prize for the Shield, the defeated finalists will pick up £275, while the other two teams that made the last four will get £100 each.