Hampshire are on the road when players in the British Inter County League toe the oche in two weeks’ time – and it is a long road at that.

The county squad of 24 men and 12 women face their longest trip of the campaign on September 6/7 as they head for the north east of England to start their campaign to return to Premiership darts.

Hampshire, who spent 20 years in the top flight before being relegated to Division 1, came close to promotion last term.

But they left themselves too much to do on the final day of the season and had to be content with another term in Division 1 along with Staffordshire, County Durham, Oxfordshire, Devon, Somerset, Gwent, Cleveland and neighbours Dorset and Surrey.

The Cleveland clash is a milestone for loyal Hampshire men’s captain Kev Ede (pictured) who will be playing his 100th consecutive match for his county.

Hampshire’s Frank Branscombe said: “That’s proof of Kev’s dedication, pride and passion for Hampshire over the last 11 years.”

He added: “It was not the most memorable of seasons last year but that can be put right with a good start against the new boys and gals of Cleveland.”

Hampshire men’s A: Dave Bonnett, Mick Cookman, Kev Ede, Mike Gillet, Sam Head, Ian Jopling, Dennis Murrell, Gary Stafford, Martin Stead, Mick Street, Lee Ward.

Men’s B: Steve Ballard, James Brooker, Graham Chalk, Richie Ford, Bradley Kirk, Andy Mitchell, Steve Musson, Nillson Pritchard, Nathan Street, Mark Thorne, Steve West, Paul Winter. Reserve: Brad Hatch.

Women’s squad: Gemma Hayter, Jaine Heaton, Pennie Lewis, Sue Lowther, Bridget Mcguire, Jane Monaghan, Kelly Palmer, Sam Pike, Tara Power, Wendy Reinstadtler, Jo Senior, Dawn Simmonds, Sue Thompson.