THE draw for the 2004 Reelcare Knockout Cup on Lord Romsey's Longbridge Lake sees seven of the fancied teams drawn in the same second round heat on June 27.

Reigning champions Cormorants Team Sillybait face formidable competition to finish in the top three in the heat.

It includes 2002 champions Eastleigh, 2001 champions Carbotec and prolific early-90s winners Poingdestres.

Throw in the talented Avon Angling Squad that includes Toyota Kings Dave Higgins and Garry Naylor, Dynamite Baits, who have a history of pulling off shocks at Longbridge and top West Country side Sillybait Original and the heat looks an absolute cracker. Ringwood and Wessex (B) complete the line-up.

In the first heat on May 16, Reelcare look to hold all the aces. Ray Hayward, Marc Illingworth and Steve Hunt have all been in good form while Nick the Greek will hold his own.

Cormorants (B), led by in-form Simon Hambidge, will play a part as will Davis Tackles Veterans.

Allans Marine (A) who caused a shock winning the first heat last year will be out to create another surprise while on paper Sillybait Red and Bournemouth Lodge will be in with a big shout. Chichester, Team Emstat and Godfreys Misfits complete the line-up.

In the final heat on July 25 Homestores, Barneys Blacks and Sillybait Black look the class acts although last year's qualifiers SAS and Allans Marine (B) won't be easy meat. Wessex Angling Centre, Dorset Raiders, Eastleigh Tightlines and Cormorants (C) also fish.