JOE LUMB CUP holders Huddersfield will have to do it the hard way if they are to retain the trophy, won in such fabulous fashion at Honley this year.

For they have been pitted against the toughest possible opposition in Division I this season with matches against North Yorkshire & South Durham, Bradford, Aire/Wharfe and York.

The good news for Huddersfield officials however, is that the match against North Yorkshire & South Durham will be at home, thus saving them from the longest-possible journey, while the other home game is against York.

Team manager Stuart Fletcher and secretary Roger Peaker will have the benefit of being able to name around seven of last season’s winning squad, although they will be seeking a new skipper as last year’s winning captain Jack Hendy is now out of the age group.

As well as selecting a squad to defend the trophy, Fletcher and Peaker will be seeking volunteer venues to stage the two divisional home games.

Huddersfield’s four-game schedule is:

May 19: Huddersfield v North Yorkshire & South Durham

June 2: Bradford v Huddersfield.

June 16: Aire/Wharfe v Huddersfield.

July 14: Huddersfield v York.

August 4: Semi-finals.

August 25: Joe Lumb Final.

September 1: Jack Lee Trophy.