Champions Southampton Rangers have called on guest players Dion Stovell and Derrick Brangman again for their Western Counties second round match against Somerset Bridge today at White Hill Field, while the challengers have included three colts.

The two former Rangers players, now playing for St David’s and Bailey’s Bay, featured in the team’s six wicket victory over Willow Cuts in the first round last weekend. Rangers are not taking Bridge lightly, said coach Ricky Brangman, who was abroad last weekend and missed the match ­— Janeiro Tucker’s first of the season after shoulder surgery.

“We’re just going up there to play our game of cricket,” Brangman said. “Janeiro has lifted the team by being back, he’s a good leader. I’m glad he’s back, he’s a good inspiration to the team and it’s nice to have him.”

The depth of the Rangers batting suggests Bridge will face a huge challenge on the pitch, with Alex Dore and Kwane Tucker at the top of the order followed by Ian Armstrong, Dion Stovell, Janeiro Tucker, James Celestine, Rohaan Simons and brothers Ricardo and Derrick Brangman.

Rangers beat Bridge by nine wickets in last year’s final at PHC Field after dismissing the challengers for just 81 in 29.2 overs. Spinners Derrick Brangman and Stovell shared eight wickets that day. Brangman finished with five for 21 and Stovell three for 28.

Bridge have made four changes to that team, bringing in three colts, Jamie Raynor and teenagers Torleair Caines and Sharye Tavares. Joshua Gilbert, of Somerset, is their only guest player, providing the spin along with Tavares, 16, and the more experienced Raynor, who is playing in his first county.

“On the day it’s anybody’s game,” stressed coach Alfred Carter while recognising the magnitude of the task after last year’s disappointing batting performance.

Caines, 17, is a promising medium pacer who is looking forward to his debut in the competition. “He came from Warwick as a junior player and had to wait two years before being eligible, according to the rules,” said Carter who is looking forward to playing at home.

“Hopefully it plays into our hands and that my players show up on the day with a good performance. We have basically five or six seamers and three spinners.

“The main thing is to push our young players a little more, that’s why we only took one guest player. Joshua’s a good fit in the team, he’s a humble guy and is knocking on the door for Cup Match.”

Teams

Southampton Rangers: Janeiro Tucker (capt), Kwame Tucker, Alex Dore, Ian Armstrong, Dion Stovell, Derrick Brangman, Ricardo Brangman, Rohaan Simons, Kevin Tucker, James Celestine, Vernon Eve.

Somerset Bridge: Donnie Charles (capt), Clarence Trott, Torleair Caines (colt), Sharye Tavares (colt), Jason Smith, Joshua Gilbert, Shawn Riley, Shawn Perinchief, Scott Tucker, Noel Woods, Jamie Raynor (colt). Reserve: Jermaine Nesbitt.