WHILE there's still a chill in the air, Summer League is gearing up for the 2019 campaign.

Last season's champions Cefn will be well fancied by many pundits to defend their crown, but 2016 and 2017 title winners Henllan and last year's Shield champions Llanrhaeadr are also expected to figure prominently.

Cefn manager Alun "Junior" Owen said: "We've got a similar squad to last year, with a few youngsters coming through.

"It will be close this season (and) everyone should have their players back from winter league early this year, so it's hard to predict."

Owen predicts that Henllan and Llanrhaeadr will be strong this season.

Henllan manager Chris Brown said: "Our squad is very similar to the last few seasons (and) we hope to be in contention.

"Although, I suspect Cefn and Llanrhaeadr will be the best bets for silverware."

Llanrhaeadr's Bryn Evans said: "Winter league shouldn't be an issue this season, so we hope to have a good year.

"I think Cefn, Henllan and Llandyrnog will be the teams to beat.

"Tomos Hywel and Elis Vaughan will be important players for us this year."

The new season starts next Tuesday, April 23.

The top match of the opening night will see Cefn playing host to Henllan.