What an exciting Belco Cup. If this is a sign of what's to come, then it's going to be an exciting season.

PHC's thrilling win over Southampton Rangers in the finals proved their semi-final triumph over a very strong St. David's team, even without two of their top players Kamau Leverock and Hasan Durham, was no fluke.

Could they contend for the League title? Only time will tell. I think they might fall just short this season, but lets look at who I think will be this year's winners and losers.

Firstly, kudos to PHC, who for decades have been a club synonymous with football success.

However, this past weekend they came of age and officially joined the party, so to speak, on the local cricket scene.

They did so in style by beating a youthful, talented, St. David's outfit, whose coach publicly stated in pre-season their intention to go undefeated and clean sweep all the trophies.

Kyle Lightbourne's side then followed this up by defeating Southampton Rangers in the final. Personally, while I feel Janeiro Tucker's innings was first class, I think a PHC player should have been named Man of the Match.

I think the broadcasting group got this decision wrong because bowler Kevin Tucker, who got four for 48, including the prize wicket of Janiero Tucker, should have been given the award. His spell of bowling was critical in helping PHC achieve the unthinkable.

While PHC may have overcome Rangers and St. David's last weekend, I don't think they will pierce the top two when it comes to the league.

Without a doubt the top two teams this year will be Rangers and St David's. To choose between them is very difficult, and almost impossible. And even though I like St. David's, my heart tells me this will be Rangers' last swansong for glory.

My choice for first place this year goes to Rangers simply because they possess the most consistent, lethal batsman on the Island, Mr. Cup Match, Janeiro Tucker.

Janeiro is a class act and his confidence rubs off on his teammates. If you look at their Belco Cup team they lacked an extra batsman, so when Jason Simons comes into the fold, he will make their batting line-up that much stronger.

Also, with the inclusion of Treddy Simpson in their fast bowling department, to go alongside top spinner Dwayne Leverock, Rangers will be tough to beat.

St David's are a strong and close second. To be honest the race for first place could come down to run rate, as I see Rangers and St. David's possibly splitting the two games between them.

At full strength St David's are the most talented group, and most well-balanced team. The key for them will be OJ Pitcher and Delyone Borden.

These two guys have come on in leaps and bounds and last year they dominated the league with their talents. They have a big hole to fill in the batting though as Chris Douglas has moved on, and this could be the difference between them finishing first or second.

In third place, and quite comfortably I might add, will be PHC. They have shown they are a team to be reckoned with, and in the end could have a say as to who wins the league title.

Lightbourne, David Adams and Hasan Durham will wreak havoc and cause many problems in the Premier League. If they possess one weakness it is their fielding, and this could be the difference between them breaking into the top two, and finishing third.

Rounding off the top four will be Willow Cuts. The Premier newcomers have been the major transfer beneficiaries with the inclusion of George O'Brien, Malachi Jones and Chris Douglas.

These three are among the top players in Bermuda, but they can't do all the work by themselves. The key will be how the remainder of the team can cope with making the jump up to the Premier Division. I have said it before, and I will say it again, Willow Cuts have some of the gutsiest players, but their never say die attitude and unity will be tested as everything won't go their way.

In fifth place will be Bailey's Bay. Bay's lack of batting depth was exposed this weekend as they were bowled out for 87, and their hope of survival depends on player availability.

Having had their captain Rodney Trott depart, they managed to pick up Dennis Pilgrim, David Lovell and Jamie Marshall who will undoubtedly enhance their team. The big question is the availability of Glenn Blakeney. Glenn can be the difference between Bay battling for relegation and fighting for a top four Belco spot.

Somerset have added the prolific Ricky Hoyte to their ranks, but will his batting alone be enough to save them? The loss of Hasan Durham will have a major impact on them.

The bowling department is an area that Somerset truly lacks, but their skipper Jacobi Robinson is a warrior; he won't go down without a fight and if he and Jordan DeSilva can raise their game Somerset could just avoid relegation for a second time.

In seventh place and almost certain to get relegated are Devonshire Recreation. Devonshire Rec will find it tough in the Premier Division as their batting line up is not very deep, but in Chris Foggo they have one of Bermuda's best on his day.

Their bowling leaves a lot to be desired, hence the reason why they will struggle in this division. One player I have always admired for Devonshire Rec is Derek Brangman. He is a fighter and has a strong will to win, which tends to filter through the team.

Personally, I find it strange that the Cricket Board will leave the Premier Division and the First Division with seven teams, meaning each week a team from each division will have a bye.

The big question is will the Cricket Board only relegate one team, and promote only one team or will they relegate two and bring three teams up? These decisions have to be made clear before the league starts.

I would encourage the board to call an urgent meeting and make a decision in the best interest of cricket. Either they let Social Club, who were former league champions, back into the Premier League or they promote St.George's, who actually finished tied for second and lost out on promotion by 0.02 run rate, so that there are an even amount of teams in each league. Our cricketers need more cricket, not less.

Having said all of that I encourage all teams to play hard, but play fair and remember cricket is a gentlemen's game. So please respect the rules of the game, the umpires, opponents and fellow team-mates. Let this be a wonderful, enjoyable season packed with some entertaining cricket.