When fast-improving Smiths decided last season that they wanted to enter the Cheltenham and District Combination’s end-of-season Senior Cup – the premier competition – their motivation was to challenge themselves against the better teams.

Well, they’ve certainly got their wish this season because they’ve been drawn at home to cup holders Cheltenham Saracens.

Saracens are enjoying another good season in Gloucester Premier and although Smiths are very well placed to win promotion from Gloucester Two, the two-division gap will still be a big one to bridge when the two clubs lock horns on Wednesday 28th March.

“Games don’t come much bigger than this,” admitted Smiths president Bob Ellis. “It’s a chance to see how far we’ve come. If we succeed, great; if we fail, at least we’ve had a go.”

It’s a sign of just how far Smiths, who these days play their home games at the Prince of Wales Stadium, have come over the past few seasons that they are relishing the chance to take on Saracens, who are another club who have made great progress over the past few years.

“We’ve got a new ground, new future and new strength behind the club,” added Ellis. “We used to be the whipping boys in the Cheltenham Combination. We were a social side and were known as the singers and tourists.

“We’re still a social side but we’ve got a hard core of good players these days.”

Junior Cup winners Cheltenham Saracens 2nds begin the defence of their title at Old Patesians 3rds and last season’s Minor Shield winners Old Patesians Vets must travel to Gloucestershire Police.

Senior Cup first round: Bredon Star v Old Pats 2nds (match A, March 27); Smiths v Cheltenham Saracens (B, March 28).

Semi-finals: Cheltenham v winner of match B (April 17); Cheltenham North v winner of match A (April 17).

Final: April 28.

Junior Cup first round: Cheltenham CS v Cheltenham 2nds (A, April 3); Old Patesians 3rds v Cheltenham Saracens 2nds (B, April 4).

Semi-finals: Winner of match A v Tewkesbury (April 18); Cheltenham North 2nds v winner of match B (April 18).

Final: April 28.

Minor Shield first round: Cheltenham Saracens 3rds v Smiths 2nds (A, April 10); Gloucestershire Police v Old Patesians Vets (B, April 11); Cheltenham CS 2nds v Cheltenham 3rds (C, April 12).

Semi-finals: Winner of match C v winner of match B (April 19); Winner of match A v Norton (April 19).

Final: April 28.