HOW THEY LINE UP

WESTERN STARS

Last season's most successful team, Stars undoubtedly will be looking to emulate or even improve on their achievements of a year ago.

And with the likes of skipper Albert Steede, Jermaine Postlethwaite, veteran Arnold Manders, Hasan Durham, Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock and Saleem Mukuddem still in the team, they will again be a tough nut to crack.

Stars' all-round strength enabled them to win the Premier Division championship, the Central Counties Cup, Combined KO and Champion of Champions titles. They also finished runners-up to St.David's in both the Camel Cup and Premier Division KO Cup.

They lost the services of medium pacer Wilbur Burt to St.George's during the off-season, but that void has now been filled somewhat as middle-order bat Ian Armstrong broke ranks with Southampton Rangers and moved back to St.John's Road.

Expected to play leading roles for the defending league champs will be seamers Justin Robinson and Maurice Lowe and all-rounders Manders, Mukuddem and Gershon Gibbons. Stars' hopes for success will also rest heavily on the shoulders of Leverock, last season's top wicket-taker (66), and Durham.

Skipper Steede will be keeping a watchful eye on youngsters Treadwell Gibbons Jr and budding wicketkeeper Jekon Edness. Fast bowler Kevin Hurdle has also expressed a desire to play this season - news that should have Steede smiling even more.

2002

League: Champions

Championships: Central Counties, Champion of Champions, Combined KO Cup champions.

SOUTHAMPTON RANGERS

Like Stars, Rangers have retained their arsenal of seasoned veterans.

But unlike their highly decorated rivals, Rangers just can't seem to get past the final hurdle and win a major title - despite possessing all the pieces to the puzzle.

Again leading from the front will be skipper Janeiro Tucker who hardly needs an introduction.

Rangers saw a season full of promise go down the tubes last season. The former powerhouses of local cricket were beaten by Stars in the inaugural Combined KO Cup final and pipped by the same team in the race for the league title.

A stunning loss to Somerset Bridge in the Western Counties final further compounded Rangers' woes.

However, it's a new season and Rangers will still be considered championship material, given that the likes of Ricky Brangman, Olin Jones, Clevie Wade, Keith Wainwright, Kenny Phillips, Gary Williams, Kwame Tucker and Stephen Lightbourne are all back for another bite at the cherry.

Veteran seamer Gary Crofton has also been spotted back in training along with fellow stalwart Ryan Belboda.

Rangers lost the services of Ian Armstrong and spinner David Saltus over the winter months. However, speed merchant Quinton Sherlock Jr. and solid bat David Pereira are expected to rejoin the team when they return from school abroad later in the summer. Youngsters Dwyia Blyden and Andrew Raynor are also reported to be progressing nicely.

2002

League: Second

Championships: none.

ST.DAVID'S

St.David's are again expected to be contenders for all of the hardware this season.

The Islanders accomplished what no other team could last season . . . defeating Western Stars twice!

Clay Smith's side took the wind out of Stars' sails in both the Camel Cup and Premier Division KO Cup finals to cap off another solid season.

They swept all before them in 2001 - a feat they will be looking to duplicate this summer, although it will be more of a challenge given that key spinner Del Hollis and opening bat Phillip (Bill Joe)Pitcher are no longer at Lord's. Hollis has rejoined his former team Cleveland while Billy Joe is reportedly laying low this season.

However, OJ Pitcher and wicketkeeper Chris Foggo are back. The talented pair were in the UK last summer, playing for Pyford Cricket Club under the watchful eye of former Bermuda coach Roland Butcher.

St.David's have a solid all-round team with Smith and master blaster Glen Blakeney expected to again pave the way for success. Blakeney peaked last season with an unbeaten 303 against Bailey's Bay and scored over 1,000 runs in all domestic competitions.

In Mackie Crane and George O'Brien Jr, the Islanders have arguably the two fastest strike bowlers on the Island while fellow youngsters Delyone Borden, Arthur Pitcher Jr, Loren Marshall, Frique Crockwell and Shannon Raynor continue to impress. All-rounder Sammy Robinson is abroad attending school and is expected to rejoin the team later in the campaign.

2002

League: Third

Championships: Camel Cup, Premier Division KO Cup champions.

ST.GEORGE'S

St.George's are currently going through a rebuilding phase that should continue throughout this season.

Skipper Charlie Marshall will again lead a squad blended with youth and experience.

St.George's managed seven wins in league play last season which was good enough to earn them a top four finish and a berth in this season's Belco Cup competition, though their performance in KO Cup competitions left much to be desired.

Continued on Page 18