WILLOW CUTS Dexter Basden relishes the thought of starting his seventh year as skipper with a team he regards as being one of their finest since he has been in charge.

While unhappy to see his long-serving fast bowler Vance Gilbert move on to Social Club because he now resides in Pembroke, the Willow Cuts skipper is satisfied that teenager Garry Williams, who joins them from Southampton Rangers, will successfully team up with Rodney Fubler to form a useful opening combination ahead of medium-pacer's Joseph Matthews, Craig Brangman -- who arrives from Somerset Bridge -- Richard Basden and himself.

The spin bowling will be supplied by Kevin Fubler, their top spinner last season, and veteran all-rounder Vivian Simons.

"The bowling is good, but it's our batting depth that I really like. In fact I don't know where I am going to use myself, maybe I can sit back and concentrate on steering the ship,'' said Basden.

"It's quite a solid batting line-up. One thing I know for certain is that I will be giving the youngsters a good shot at making the team because I intend to play them from the outset.'' The youngsters he was referring to are Dwayne and Dwight Basden, Jermaine Warner and Davon Wade. Dwight, Warner and Wade have just come over from neighbours Somerset Cricket Club.

In addition to these four batting prospects, the Willow Cuts' skipper is expecting the usual large contribition of runs from brother Richard, Gladwin Edness and himself.

The skipper's goals for the season are to win the Premier Division and retain the Western Counties Cup.

Key additions: Dwight Basden, Jermaine Warner, Davon Wade (from Somerset CC); Garry Williams (from Southampton Rangers); Craig Brangman (from Somerset Bridge).

Key losses: Vance Gilbert (to Social Club); Andrew Rollins (to Police).

SOMERSET BRIDGE Robin Swan admits that his team has taken awhile to get into an early groove as far as preparation for the season is concerned, but he is still optimistic as he enters his second season as skipper.

Bridge have already had a setback with all-rounder Brian Gibbons getting injured during a recent soccer game. He will be out for the first few weeks of the season.

Swan will also have to find somebody to replace Francis Richardson, the former skipper who has been their best pace bowler for the past six years. He is away in school and will probably miss the entire season.

"But I am still hopeful as the season approaches. We have gotten off to a slow start as far as training is concerned, but the players showed a lot of enthusiasm at training on Sunday mornings,'' said the skipper.

"Overall I think our squad is not looking too bad at all despite the absence of Gibbons and Richardson,'' he added.

Braxton Stowe has not played regular cricket since appearing with PHC in the Commercial Division two seasons ago, yet Swan believes that getting the veteran from the Commercial Division could turn out to be a key addition for the club.

The skipper believes the overall strength of the team lies in its batting which will be spearheaded by David Jones, Kirk Trott, Tony Cheeseman, Alfred Carter, himself and young Shawn Spencer, who also joins them from the West Indian Association of the Commercial Division.

The fast bowling will be supplied by Corvett Lambert and Gary Crofton while Jones and Sidney Simmons will provide the spin.

"Looking back at last year's team, this one appears to have a lot in common with that one,'' noted Swan.

Swan's goals for the season are to win the Premier Division and to retain the Western Counties Cup.

Key additions: Braxton Stowe (from PHC); Shawn Spencer (from the West Indian Association).

Key losses: Francis Richardson (away at school).

SOUTHAMPTON RANGERS Keith Wainwright takes over the captaincy for the first time, but he is convinced that the key to a successful season depends on just how much new coach Lee Raynor is able to inject "harmony and unity'' among the players, something Wainwright claims has been absent for a while.

"We've been one of the best teams on paper during the past 10 years, but now with somebody like Lee around we hope to prove this with a successful season,'' said Wainwright.

"I am very optimistic that we can accomplish a lot, but the key is how much will Lee's help inspire the players. I'm confident that everything will work out in our favour though.'' Wainwright is hoping that the controversy that occured when Raynor was recently appointed coach instead of Ricky Brangman, last year's skipper, will not affect the team. But it remains to be seen whether the departure of established players like all-rounder Clevie Wade and young fast bowler Garry Williams hurts them.

The skipper believes the bowling is improved with medium-pacer Dwayne Steede returning after two seasons with Western Stars and that youngters Dean Stephens and Tacoma Robinson manage to fit into the line-up. Quinton Burch will be back to lead their pace attack while Ryan Belboda and Janeiro Tucker will also contribute some pace bowling.

Wainwright has high hopes for Stephens who is a left-arm fast bowler.

The bulk of the spin will be provided by Olin Jones and Lyndon Raynor.

Southampton's batting remains sound with the skipper, Jones, David Stoneham and Kwame Tucker all capable of opening the innings. Following in the line-up and also counted on for runs are Michael Brangman, Stevie Lightbourne and Tucker.

Wainwright's goal for the season is to finish among the top four in the Premier Division and to win a major trophy.

Key additions: Dwayne Steede (from Western Stars).

Key losses: Clevie Wade (to St. George's); Garry Williams (to Willow Cuts).

DEXTER BASDEN -- His goals are to win the Premier Division and retain Western Counties Cup.