St David’s begin the defence of their Premier Division title this weekend when they play back-to-back games against Cleveland County and Willow Cuts.

Most of the teams in league already have two matches under their belts, with St David’s not playing since the Twenty20 semi-finals on May 30, after which they had a bye in the Logic 50-over league and then last weekend’s match against Cleveland rescheduled.

“It hasn’t been very good for us, the last game we played was the T20 semi-final,” said all-rounder Sammy Robinson, who is also the club’s chairman.

“Yes, it’s been a long break, a stop-start season for us with other teams already getting some matches in. We tried to arrange a practice match but it didn’t come off, the weather didn’t help us any, so it’s a bit disappointing that we haven’t played yet.”

Robinson is not planning a full season with the team as he winds down towards retirement. “It’s not in my plans to be playing, only if we’re short, I’m looking to hang up the boots,” he said

Already it looks like Southampton Rangers will be the biggest threat to St David’s as they push for a third straight league title. Janeiro Tucker and Dion Stovell led Rangers to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bailey’s Bay last weekend, the third time they have beaten Bay this season after victories in the Belco Cup semi-finals and the Twenty20.

“They have picked up a couple of batsmen and a spinner in Hasan [Durham], so they have strengthened and are definitely favourites for the league title this year,” Robinson said.

One positive from the three-week break is that captain OJ Pitcher should be back after a calf injury to lead St David’s at home to Cleveland and then away to Willow Cuts.

“OJ contemplated playing in the T20 semi-final but chose not to risk it,” Robinson said.

Rangers will look to make it three wins out of three when they host Somerset Cricket Club at Southampton Oval on Sunday, while Flatts take on Bailey’s Bay at Lord’s in a battle of the two Eastern Counties sides who meet again in the Counties’ first match on July 18.

In the First Division, St George’s play Warwick tomorrow and Somerset Bridge on Sunday at Wellington Oval. In Sunday’s other matches, PHC host Western Stars while Devonshire Recreation Club are at home to Warwick.