Southampton Rangers will enter today’s opening round of the Western Counties in the unfamiliar position of underdogs having had their ranks depleted through suspensions and overseas commitments.

Last Sunday at Lords, Rangers lifted a second title of the season in defending their two-day league crown, but less than a week later have taken on a different and less impressive look that could give Western Counties champions Somerset Bridge just the type of psychological boost they need when the sides lock horns at Southampton Oval today.

Earlier this week skipper Kwame Tucker and cousin Janeiro Tucker were both slapped with three-game bans, while intended guest player Lamont Brangman, who plays for Devonshire, received a two-match ban from Bermuda Cricket Board’s (BCB) disciplinary committee.

Rangers are also without teenage star Malachi Jones, who departs today for Barbados with the Island’s Under-19 national squad, while veteran seamer Ryan Belboda is currently abroad.

These omissions have forced the challengers to lure former skipper Olin Jones out of retirement with in-form Devonshire batsman Derek Brangman — son of former Rangers skipper Ricky Brangman and brother of the suspended Lamont Brangman — coming in as a guest player colt and left-arm seamer Dwia Blyden a last-minute replacement for the vacationing Belboda.

Veteran left-arm spinner Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock, who has rounded into top form with both bat and ball, will lead the challengers’ quest in the absence of suspended skipper Tucker.

“Obviously these guys will be missed, but we have to play with what we have,” Leverock said. “We just have to play as a team and try and help each other throughout the match.”

One player the challengers may rely heavily upon is colt Derek Brangman, whose season peaked last weekend when he slammed a stroke-filled century (117) against Western Stars and bagged three wickets — a performance that appears to have caught the attention of the Rangers’ selectors.

“He’s really in good form at the moment. Derek is a hard-hitting batsman who can also come in handy with the ball, bowling left arm spin. He’s pretty much an all-round fellow who can compensate for some of the players we have lost,” Leverock said.

Given the hosts’ current state, one might fancy Somerset Bridge’s chances of a first Western Counties win over Rangers at the Oval in five seasons.

The West Enders are fresh off last weekend’s inspiring two-day triumph over Flatts and with guest players Nakia Smith and former club all-rounder Dean Stephens currently on top of their games could prove a formidable proposition.

Smith has so far proven to be one of the driving forces behind club side Social Club’s bid for a maiden Premier Division title with the bat while Stephens has virtually carried Devonshire on his broad shoulders.

Bridge’s home grown off-spinner Jermaine Salaam, skipper Adrian Burrows and all-rounder Donnie Charles will also be expected to play leading roles when the champions lay their title on the line — a crown they don’t intend to relinquish, according to guest player Stephens.

“The guys are serious and up for the challenge and everyone is in good spirits and raring to go,” he said.

Stephens, who actually began his cricket career at Rangers, is also among those who believe that Southampton’s loss will be Bridge’s gain.

“Rangers’ situation has definitely lifted our morale and confidence,” he added. “Everyone is really hyped up for the match.”

Elsewhere today, champions St. George’s take on nearby rivals St. David’s in a Cup Match trial match at Wellington Oval.

Tomorrow’s Premier Division schedule will see Social Club look to continue their winning ways when they tackle Western Stars at Devonshire Recreation Club, St.David’s will be out avenge last weekend’s lost against Rangers when the two clubs meet at Lords with Cleveland set to host Flatts at Wellington Oval.

In First Division play, Bailey’s Bay host PHC at Sea Breeze Oval, Warwick take on Leg Trappers at Southampton Oval, Somerset Bridge and Devonshire clash at White Hill Field while Police are pitted against Willow Cuts at Police Field.