Lionel Cann has a new lease on his cricketing life.

And Southampton Rangers' latest sensation appears to be enjoying every moment of it.

With last weekend's crunch league match against St.George's hanging in the balance, any Rangers fan knowing a thing or two about the 31-year-old allrounder might have held their breath as he strolled out to the crease.

But rather than take the selfish approach and rip into the opposing attack ? something the player had become accustomed to during his time at Lords ? Cann revealed a more cultured side, suggesting he has matured into the complete cricketer.

After returning impressive figures of three wickets for 24 runs off ten overs, Cann then belted 91 runs off 68 balls (six fours and four sixes) to spur Rangers to a three-wicket triumph, and a first league win over the East Enders in four seasons.

So what is his motive?

"I am in love with the game again and really look forward to playing the best cricket I've ever played before I retire," Cann told . "Sunday's knock was probably my best knock ever. I've scored a few hundreds here and there but those were knocks where I was just tearing the bowling apart. But this was something different.

"My team was in trouble and it was my first knock at my new club and everything that I have been doing over the past few months in national team training I executed to perfection. I did not make one mistake during my innings ? every single ball and every thought was perfect."

Cann and his new team-mates at Rangers hope to extend their current good run of form against defending league champions Western Stars tomorrow at St.John's Field.

Reliving his last innings, Cann recalled: "There were no fine or square leg fielders and it was a new ball. So if you mis-hit the ball it was still going fine . . . there was no risk in the shot at all.

"But then I had to settle down because my team were in trouble."

With his game somewhat at a crossroads, Cann was forced to make a conscious decision . . . take the game seriously or retire and take a back seat.

"I have sacrificed (in training) a lot since last November and put one hundred percent into it," he explained. "I am in the gym every day and then training with the squad. So physically I am ready."

Cann is currently challenging for a spot on Bermuda's ICC Trophy squad set to compete in Ireland in July.

"The fitness is there and the mental aspect of my game is also coming along," he added.

In terms of bowling, Cann has made huge strides.

"Bowling is all about rhythm," he explained. "And it feels nice to have the ball back."

Cann said he intended to remain at the Oval for a "couple" of seasons before finally hanging up his spikes at Lords.

"Even though I have left St.David's, they still welcome me and wish me well," he insisted. "They still consider me as the golden child down there."

Rangers will be gunning for a third straight league win of the season against Stars in the urban club's own back yard. Tomorrow will also mark Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock's first match against his former team-mates since joining Rangers.

Elsewhere in weekend Premier Division action, St.George's host neighbours St.David's at Wellington Oval in what is expected to be another fierce battle between the two East End clubs; Flatts host Bailey's Bay at Lords while newly promoted Social Club bid for a second straight win against Cleveland at Devonshire Recreation Club.

In First Division play, Leg Trappers host Devonshire at Sea Breeze Oval, Somerset welcome Somerset Bridge to Somerset Cricket Club, Warwick host Police at Southampton Oval, while Western Counties rivals PHC and Willow Cuts meet at White Hill Field.

All matches begin at 11 a.m.