The 2026 season broke off this week with the first round of the Phil Sayer Memorial Trophy. Holders Mighty Oak had a safe passage into the last 16 courtesy of a bye, however last season runners up Atack Snooker were beaten in a shootout by the Midland Railway. In a quality cup tie the Mid found themselves 6 - 3 down but Clive Dicks, Steve Fox and Scott Preedy potted the final 3 fames to force the shootout which they duly won. Newcomers White Lion almost produced the shock of the night taking Premier League Gurkha Corner all the way to a shootout before losing out 3 - 1. Both Coton Bandits and Coton Old Boys eased into the last 16 with out dropping a frame while both Chapel End Libs sides potted 7 - 2 victories. Baz Millerchip knocked in a break dish for the Legless Lions are they secured a 7 - 4 win over another new side the Corner House. Atherstone Cons also saw both there teams safely through to the next round where there joined by Coton Snooker, The Travellers, Royal Oak Roadhouse, Lucky Buddha's and Gurkha Rejects.