THERE are just three weeks to go before Hampshire arrows are flying again in the Inter County Premier Championship.

And this time there is an official sponsor for the championship. Kaliber, who produce non-alcoholic lager, will be backing the league for the 2004/5 season.

Cambridgeshire will be the first visitors to Hampshire's home at Hill Park Memorial Working Men's Club when competition gets underway on September 4 and 5.

There have been some doubts expressed about the strength of the side now that a number of other players have joined Andy Jenkins and Colin Monk on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit. But Hampshire will not be alone in that situation.

Hampshire enter the season with a shortage of backroom personnel but no lack of players with will to win.

Brenda Cummings remains team manager for the ladies but now has a new captain in Sue Lowther.

This makes it almost a unique family arrangement as husband Rick Lowther moves up from men's team captain to manager. The men's new captain is Steve Ballard.

All four have an unbridled enthusiasm for the game and Hampshire - something the players will inevitably respond too.

Sue Lowther said: "Taking over from Jenny is a tough act to follow. But working with Brenda and all her experience will make my job a lot easier."

"Our ladies' B team is looking as strong as last season, so we'll aim to keep that title. With a bit more playing fortune the ladies' A will achieve the results they deserve."

Rick is more than aware of the boots he is trying to fill as he follows Barry Fenton and his predecessor, Mick Collins.

"I hope I'm up to the task. I am looking forward to the challenge and to working with new team captain Steve Ballard. He's a very good friend I have known for a long time."

And the challenge for the new players is not lost on Lowther either.

"Having lost a fair number of players for various reasons, I feel this season will be one of consolidation for the men.

"All players selected undoubtedly have the ability in abundance. However, we don't always seem to take that on stage with us."

Lowther hopes that mid-table finishes from both A and B teams will be the end result come May next year.

"That will do nicely, but I would love to be proven wrong and watch both teams wipe the floor with everybody."