There will be much at stake when hosts Southampton Rangers and Somerset do battle today at Southampton Oval in a crucial 50-overs contest.

Rangers find themselves in a must-win situation if they are to keep their fading Premier Division title hopes alive while Somerset will be fighting off the ropes to avoid joining already relegated Devonshire in the First Division next season.

As it stands, Rangers (18 points) trail leaders and defending champions Young Men's Social Club (24 points), who have completed their 50-overs schedule, by six points but still have three games to play.

The two clubs split this season's league series and should Rangers take maximum points from their remaining fixtures the title could be decided on net run rate with unofficially, Social Club (1.52) presently having the edge over their rivals (1.32).

Rangers will be without swing bowler Ryan Belboda, who grabbed five for 29 last weekend against Cleveland, and player/coach Janeiro Tucker who travels abroad today.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Somerset also find themselves facing an uphill climb as they trail sixth-placed St.George's, who have also completed their 50-overs campaign, by two points. But with two matches in hand, Somerset can still overhaul their East End rivals down the stretch.

In terms of Belco Cup qualification, so far only Social Club and Rangers have qualified for next season's competition, leaving third-placed Police (14 points), fourth-placed Cleveland (14 points) and fifth-placed St.David's (12 points) to battle for the two remaining berths.

Police are away to Cleveland today at Sea Breeze Oval where a win for either club would effectively clinch Belco Cup qualification while the Islanders have a bye this weekend.

An intriguing First Division battle is also on tap today at Police Field where Leg Trappers and Willow Cuts will be looking to enhance their chances of promotion.

With leaders Bailey's Bay (20 points) and second-placed PHC (18 pts) idle this weekend, Trappers and Cuts will be looking to make serious inroads to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Likewise, outsiders Western Stars (14 points) and Warwick (13 points) will attempt to keep their slim promotion hopes intact in a match neither can afford to lose if they are to achieve their season-ending objective.

Weekend cricket continues tomorrow with Open league action taking centre stage with league leaders St. David's within one victory of clinching the title.

The Islanders are at home to Devonshire while second-placed St.George's are away to third-placed Southampton at Southampton Oval.

Elsewhere, Social Club host Bailey's Bay at Devonshire Rec. while Western Stars welcome Willow Cuts to St.John's Field.