Six previous National Pitch and Putt matchplay and five strokeplay champions will take their place in the field of 64 for this year's matchplay event at the Ryston club, Newbridge, Co Kildare, next weekend.

In a very competitive top quarter, the holder and number one seed Mark Millar (Cement) will have to repeat last year's form if he is to see off John Cahill (Fermoy), Billy Bell of the host club, Junior Smith (RGSC) or international Conor O'Hare (Cloghogue).

Other interesting clashes include the meeting of Sean Harkins and Terry Hanratty with Harkins seeking a record fourth title. Another player on the record trail is Geraldine Ward who needs just one more title to equal the all-time record of Clare Keating. Ward is seeded to reach the semi-finals with reigning champion Ann Hall (Royal Meath) seeded at number one.

Meanwhile, Both Leinster strokeplay events went to tie holes at the weekend. Wally Sheridan's seven under par 20 edged out Colm Sheridan by a shot in the men's nine hole play-off while at Tullamore Margaret Hogan had a two shot win over Portmarnock's Geraldine Ward after nine extra holes.