The draw for the 2011 Clydesdale Bank 40 competition took place on Tuesday, November 2. The domestic 40 over competition once again involves 18 First Class Counties, Netherlands, Scotland and the Unicorns drawn into three groups.

Teams will play every other side in their group home and away leading to the top side in each group and one runner up with the highest points total qualifying for the semi-finals with the final taking place in September.

Netherlands, Scotland and the Unicorns were allocated to groups A, B and C respectively. The 18 First Class Counties were allocated to groups through a free draw.

Current Clydesdale Bank 40 champions Warwickshire Bears have been drawn in group B while runners up Somerset face last season’s semi finalists Essex Eagles in the group stages.

Group A

Netherlands, Derbyshire Falcons, Middlesex Panthers, Worcestershire Royals, Sussex Sharks, Yorkshire Carnegie, Kent Spitfires

Group B

Scotland, Hampshire Royals, Durham Dynamos, Northamptonshire Steelbacks, Warwickshire Bears, Surrey Lions, Leicestershire Foxes

Group C

Unicorns, Notts Outlaws, Glamorgan Dragons, Gloucestershire Gladiators, Essex Eagles, Somerset, Lancashire Lightning

The Unicorns, made up of England qualified players without first class county contracts, will once again be holding trials throughout the winter to determine their squad. Details of the trials and the application process can be found HERE.