The first round of the 2012 Stan Meads Cup kicks off on Saturday, with 2011 champions Te Awamutu putting the Peace (Challenge Trophy) Cup on the line against Central Bay of Plenty at Albert Park in Te Awamutu.

Last season Te Awamutu took out the inaugural Stan Meads Cup in a round robin competition.

With the addition of three additional teams this season, the format includes semi-finals and a grand finale.

The Bay of Plenty Central Sub-Union is centred on the Rotorua region and the Bay side can be expected to give the current Stan Meads Cup titleholders a torrid time, with the Peace Cup on the line.

In another encounter, Thames Valley B will square off against 2012 newcomers Eastern Bay of Plenty at Paeroa Domain.

The Thames Valley second fifteen are well acquainted with the intensity of the regional competition and also have home ground advantage.

Hamilton will also take on the Western Bay of Plenty and the last time the contenders met was in the final of the 2003 Peace cup where Hamilton triumphed 21-13.

The Seeka KI Western Bay side is a bit of an unknown quality entering the Stan Meads trophy for the first time, while Hamilton is always hard to beat with home ground advantage.

The third new entrant is Piako, which draws players from Morrinsville along with some recruits from Cambridge and Matamata.

They make their Stan Meads entrance against King Country B, at the neutral venue of Campbell Park in Melville, Hamilton.

Stan Meads Cup Draw August 18 – Week One

Section One

Te Awamutu v Central BOP @ Albert Park, Te Awamutu – kick off 2.30pm

Thames Valley B v Eastern BOP @ Paeroa Domain – kick off 2pm

Section Two

Piako v King Country B Campbell Park, Hamilton - kick off 2.30pm

Hamilton v Seeka KI Western BOP @ Stan Heather Park, Hamilton – kick off 2pm