Southampton Rangers will begin the defence of their Western Counties crown against challengers Somerset Bridge in the opening round of the 50-overs competition at Southampton Oval on Saturday.

Rangers, the One Premier Division leaders, are the firm favourites going into the match against their First Division opponents.

However, Ricky Brangman, the Southampton Rangers coach, said he is not taking Bridge lightly.

“We are not taking Somerset Bridge for granted,” the former Rangers captain said. “We are just going out there and play our game and hope that we are victorious at the end of the day.”

Rangers thumped Bridge by 105-runs during the second round of the competition at White Hill Field last season.

“That was last year and this is a new year so anything is possible,” Brangman added.

Rangers are expected to make significant changes to their squad for their commitment with Bridge from the one that beat Somerset by seven wickets in their previous outing in the league, as some of their players are ineligible because of Western Counties rules.

The winner of the opening round of the competition will meet Warwick Workmen’s Club in the second round on July 14.

One First Division leaders Willow Cuts have been drawn in the third round held on August 11 with the winner to meet PHC in the final round on August 25.

All matches will be held at Southampton Oval, the home venue of champions Rangers.

“It’s always a nice feeling when you are playing at home,” Brangman said. “You have the crowd with you, so I’m looking forward to a good series in the Western Counties.

“I know every team is going to want to beat us and we are just going to take one game at a time.”

The origins of the Western Counties date back to 1963 with Willow Cuts winning the inaugural competition.