The Ascot Hotel-sponsored Junior Cup fires into life this weekend and the draw has produced a mammoth clash in the preliminary round.

The annual cup competition for Canada Life Combination One and JCK Combination Two sides kicks off in earnest with nine matches on Sunday afternoon.

The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly at the Bowl where Combi One title rivals St Mary’s and Peel go head-to-head, guaranteeing that one of the competition favourites will go out at the first hurdle.

The westerners currently lead the way at the top of the table but, having played all their games, must wait and see if the Saints can claim the necessary three points in their final game which would clinch the title.

All this points to a close cup contest this weekend. Home advantage may just make the Saints the favourites, but after Mary’s won the first meeting between the pair this season, Peel then triumphed by the odd goal in seven when the sides met again just a few weeks ago, which suggests this one really could go either way.

Also expected to go far in the competition are Corinthians who should prove too strong for Combi Two midtable side Pulrose United at Ballafletcher, but on the adjacent pitch it could be a much closer affair between Douglas Royal and Malew.

Royal currently lie 10th in Combi One whereas the southerners are third in Combi Two and in good form, hinting that the Clagh Vane outfit may just fancy their chances of pulling off a ’cupset’.

Another side eyeing up a possible cup shock are Ramsey who travel to the capital to face Douglas Athletic which may prove to be a potential banana skin for the Pinks.

Athletic’s combi have only won twice since the turn of the year but in recent weeks they have strengthened with several first team players so they could well prove to be a threat in this competition.

A close game should be in store at Billy Goat Park where Foxdale host RYCOB in an all-Combi Two affair.

Only one point separates the sides in Youthie’s favour, although Dale came out on top 2-0 when the sides last met in February and may just start at favourites.

Marown versus Gymns also has the potential to be a tight contest, with the Crosby side struggling near the foot of Combi One, but the visitors will need to be on top of their game if they are to progress.

With 16 places and an entire division separating them, Laxey will be firm favourites to get the better of Combi Two stragglers Colby at Glen Road, although a points deduction for the latter does paint a slightly false league picture.

In another all-Combination Two fixture at Garey Mooar, Union Mills will be expected to see off the challenge of Michael United.

The Millers are currently in excellent form, having won five of their last six games - and that one defeat was against newly-crowned league champions Onchan - so expect a comfortable win here.

The final game in the prelim round kicks off at the slightly later time of 2.30pm at Bemahague between Governor’s Athletic and St John’s, although it remains to be seen if the latter can field a team.