Western Stars and Southampton Rangers are poised to go into battle tomorrow at Southampton Oval.

Both teams go into the day's top clash coming off of inspiring wins. Stars had to dig deep in order to fend off a spirited Willow Cuts challenge and received six-points from their postponed match against St. David's later this week.

Southampton, on the other hand, edged by Somerset Cricket Club by 67 runs, though they also suffered a 24 run loss to St. George's during their season opener last Saturday - hardly the start coach Clevie Wade envisioned.

However, Sunday's triumph should have recharged the batteries somewhat, while a win against Stars would ideally put them back in good stead for the league championship.

Southampton will also attempt to settle a few old scores with their long time nemesis who dashed away both their league and Combined KO Cup aspirations last season.

At last report, both teams were one hundred percent fit and raring to go for what promises to be another epic battle between these two Premier Division giants.

Meanwhile, in Premier action today, Somerset host St. David's at Somerset Cricket Club, Stars are at home at St.John's Field to Cleveland, St. George's meet Cuts at Lord's while PHC host Southampton at White Hill Field.

In First Division action the match involving Social Club and newcomers Leg Trappers has been postponed due to the former's `no fixed abode' status. Flatts will play landlords Bailey's Bay at Sea Breeze Oval, Warwick will tackle fellow Western Counties rivals Somerset Bridge at Southampton Oval, while Police will host neighbours Devonshire at Police Field. All matches are scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

Looking ahead, elsewhere tomorrow in the Premier Division, Cuts take on landlords Somerset at Somerset Cricket Club, St.David's are at home to PHC while Cleveland welcome St.George's to their temporary dwelling at St.John's Field.

In First Division action, Devonshire take on former tenants Social Club at Devonshire Rec, Leg Trappers play Warwick at Police Field, Bailey's Bay entertain Police at Police Field while Somerset Bridge are set to welcome Flatts to the spacious confines of White Hill Field.

Again, all matches are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

The seven-strong Commercial Cricket League, weakened by the elevation of 2002 champions Leg Trappers to BCB First Division status, gets its new season under way belatedly tomorrow with three matches spread across the island.

Match of the day at the Royal Naval Field in Somerset is the Caribbean showdown between last season's league runners-up West Indian Association and the 2002 knockout winners Jamaican Association.

The Jamaicans have been hit by the departure of four key players to BCB teams. Chris Daley, Simroy Crosdale and Kevin Abrahams have joined Devonshire Recreation Club, while Glenroy Brown has switched to Willow Cuts.

"All my bowling has been depleted," team manager Glenmore Barrett said yesterday, "but we still have a team and hope to build it up."

Hard-hitting batsman Barry Richards has handed over the captaincy of WIA to fellow policeman Dave Greenidge because of new work commitments.

In other matches, Devonshire Stars, whose new skipper Andr? Smith has taken over from Cleveland County-bound Derek Smith, take on Forties at the east end's Garrison Field while North Village meet St. David's at centrally-located Shelly Bay.

Police Recreation Club are the other team to drop out of the Commercial League this season. Newcomers Centurions, a Leg Trappers spin-off, have a bye.