Weather permitting, champions Devonshire will begin the defence of their Central Counties crown on home soil today against arch rivals Western Stars.

The cup holders have made three changes to their team in preparation for Stars with veteran batsman Allen Richardson, all-rounder Torry Henry and seamer Lamont Brangman all set to see action at the Den today.

Devonshire’s batsmen struggled to find runs while their bowlers lacked control in a rain-effected draw against Social Club in their last outing but will look to put it all together against their cross-town rivals with much more at stake in today’s contest.

New acquisition Richardson is expected to bat at the top of the order with the hard-hitting Henry coming in lower down a batting line-up possessing reasonable depth. Brangman could be called into his team’s attack as a first change bowler with skipper Dean Stephens and Jodie Maroni tipped to share the new ball.

But with rain and thunderstorms forecast for today, Devonshire player/coach Ricky Brangman sr is fully wary that winning the toss in such conditions could be pivotal.

“We just have to see how the weather goes, but at the same time you just have to do what you have to do,” he said. “We have players in the team that can step it up a bit. And the team we have picked is the strongest we’ve fielded so far and everybody is raring to go.”

Aided by a plethora of dropped catches, Stars enjoyed good batting practise against Leg Trappers last weekend, with several batsmen making healthy contributions. But like Devonshire, the St.John’s Road club lacked penetration in the bowling department.

Still, Brangman isn’t about to take anything for granted.

“We can’t count them out. And being that we haven’t seen them play we are going into the match a bit blind. But we are always comfortable playing at home, and I think we should be okay,” he said.

Today will also see Bermuda Cricket Board’s (BCB) Under-16 league in full swing with Devonshire taking on Flatts at Shelly Bay Field, Cleveland County and St.David’s set to do battle at Garrison Field, Somerset and Western Stars squaring off at Royal Naval Field and St.George’s hosting CedarBridge Academy at Wellington Oval.

Tomorrow, current BCB Premier Division limited overs champions Southampton Rangers open the defence of their crown against Flatts at Southampton Oval, St.David’s host Social Club at Lords while Cleveland face a tricky encounter at Wellington Oval against the Island’s Under-19 national team.

In the West End, Somerset host arch rivals St.George’s at Somerset Cricket Club in what will be a dress rehearsal for this summer’s Cup Match classic at the opposite end of the Island.

Western Stars have a bye.

Elsewhere, Bailey’s Bay will get their first taste of action for the new season after sitting out last weekend. Bay tackle tenants Leg Trappers at Sea Breeze Oval while other First Division match-ups see Devonshire hosting Warwick at the Den, Somerset Bridge taking on Western Counties rivals Willow Cuts at White Hill Field while Police — another team making their first appearance for the season — host PHC at Police Field.