DURHAM County start the new outdoor season with the defence of the All England Inter County Middleton Cup today.

The Palatinate won the prestigious competition, which started in 1911, for the first time last year and will be doing their utmost to retain the coveted trophy.

Durham, however, begin their competitive season with a Muras Trophy clash with neighbours Northumberland at Alnwick on May 26, with the B team also meeting Northumberland at Stockton and the C team travelling to Seahhouses.

Durham begin their Middleton Cup campaign on June 9, when Yorkshire visit Spennymoor in the first of the three-match round-robin section.

They then travel to Dalston to face the powerful Cumbria side on June 23 and conclude the initial stages on July 7, when Northumberland visit Spennymoor.

The Cockton Hill club have provided the County president in Gordon J Stewart and he will be hoping to emulate his predecessor, Charles McCain, in winning the national team event.

Durham have made a change on the publicity side, following the resignation, after 15 years' service, of publicity officer Lewis Gordon, who, however, retains his position on the executive council.

Lewis is replaced by Cliff Simpson, whose last act as a player was to receive the Middleton Cup in his position as team captain.

The England "old boy" was keen to remain in a position which would enable him to pass on his wealth of experience to the younger players in whose hands Durham's future lies.

England international Gary Smith won the City of Sunderland singles championship, beating Jim Humphrey 21-8.

Tommy Jopling retained his two-bowl title with a 21-6 victory over Joe Flett.

Enthusiasts must be concerned by the upheaval faced by the British Isles Championship which, since 1903 when the legendary W G Grace was first president of the EBA, has seen England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales competing against each other, with the Channel Isles joining the series in 1995.

This year Belfast was to host the event in rotation, beginning on July 2 - the foot and mouth crisis permitting - but Scotland have withdrawn from the tournament, saying they can no longer afford to pay their way.

It is hoped a compromise can be reached to save the event.