PHC will undergo the acid test when they take to the field against champions Southampton today in the third round of the Western Counties at Southampton Oval.

That is, of course, should weather permit. And with scattered showers predicted throughout the day, it would not be a bad idea for PHC to maybe have a prayer or two in hopes for clearer skies.

However, should the rains subside and the match get underway, then they will still find themselves with the enormous task of seeing off a star-studded Rangers team.

Coincidentally, they were also forced to sit it out the competition last year when rain dampened their spirits before Bermuda coach Mark Harper's new league format further compounded their woes by dooming them to the First Division.

But under the guidance of veteran coach Andre (Doc) Manders, the Warwick club have miraculously turned their fortunes around and now skipper Cal Waldron is looking for the "silver lining" in the clouds and has his mind set on an upset.

"Everyone is eager to play because we didn't get the opportunity to play last year," said Waldron.

"Having been washed out last year, we didn't get to show our worth. But the guys are upbeat and now ready to go. The enthusiasm and county fever is certainly there.

"Everyone wants to make a good showing."

PHC are expected to call on Somerset's Cup Match colt Sheridan (Baldy) Ming to join their line up while hard-hitting batsman Arthur Richards is also expected to back from a slight injury.

Attempts to include Somerset's Curtis Jackson proved futile as it is now understood that the opening batsman will suit up for Somerset Bridge in the final round.

Rangers will also have to be wary of the experiences of player/coach Manders and skipper Waldron, while strike bowlers Kevin Tucker, Shoron Hunt, and Charles Symonds could also prove more than a handful on the "grassy knoll" at Southampton Oval.

Still, PHC should have their work cut out for them in the form of Janeiro Tucker and Co.

With a team full of proven veterans, Southampton will be further bolstered by the inclusion of Western Stars' all-rounder Saleem Mukuddem, in this, their final match before heading off to the UK for a two-week tour tomorrow.

At Lord's, the junior Eastern Counties enters its second round where champions St.David's host Flatts.

Turning to tomorrow's Premier Division, still smarting from last week's first league loss to St.George's, Western Stars will return to Wellington Oval in hopes of bouncing back against Cleveland.

Last week, Stars were without chief spinner Hasan Durham (injury) and opening bat Jermiane Postlethwaite (overseas) against the east enders.

And while it remains doubtful whether the duo will be back in their line up tomorrow, it is now understood that skipper Albert Steede has also ventured abroad and will be absent from the team.

Bailey's Bay, meanwhile, can breathe a sigh of relief now that Glen Blakeney is gone.

But they may still have their hands full of former skipper Charlie Marshall and St.George's at Sea Breeze Oval.

Flatts, though, may not be so lucky as they now face the dubious task of taking on St.David's at Lord's - the scene of last week's staggering run feast.

In the First Division, the division's two top teams collide head on in what promises to be an exciting contest at White Hill Field.

Willow Cuts host fast fading Warwick at Somerset Cricket Club, while Social Club will be looking to put the cuffs on Police at St.John's Field.

All matches begin at 12 noon.

Southampton Rangers and Devonshire were each awarded six points as their matches against Flatts and Somerset Bridge failed to get underway last weekend due to unprepared pitches at both Sea Breeze Oval and White Hill Field.