St David’s coach Ricky Brangman is adamant his team can challenge for honours this season, despite losing the valuable services of star trio Onias Bascome, Tre Manders and Kevon Fubler during the transfer period.

Bascome has joined Southampton Rangers while Fubler and Manders have moved to fellow Western Counties outfit Warwick, the latter on loan from Western Stars, and are among five players to have parted ways with St David’s.

Brangman is saddened to see the national team trio depart but insists his team can cope in their absence.

“It was nice to have those three guys and I was really sorry to see them leave,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“But that’s cricket so we have to keep our heads up and keep going forward.

“As a whole the team is strong. The guys know what they have to do and those that are gone has actually brought them closer together.

“We pretty much have the basic players that we have had all this time, while Brian Hall and Makai Young have returned, so that’s pretty good for us.

“The vibe in the camp is good; the guys have been training and we have everybody out.”

Just how the Premier Division T20 and 50 Overs champions cope in the trio’s absence will be laid bare for all to see when they come up against Knockout Cup champions St George’s in an intriguing Champion of Champions East End derby at Somerset Cricket Club today (2.30pm).

Brangman said his players are up for the task with silverware on the line.

“Everybody is up for the game, so it should be a good game against St George’s,” he said.

“The team is looking good and I am proud of the guys, the way they are responding good in training and everything, so I am looking for a good game against St George’s.”

Brangman’s St George’s counterpart Clay Smith is bracing himself for a tough outing heading into the 2026 season opener.

“First game of the season against a very tough opponent and last year’s league champions, and a derby game at that, so it does not get any tougher,” he said.

“We have been working hard over the last few weeks and months preparing, and the fellows are more than ready [and] looking and forward to the opening match, which is for a trophy, thus adding more incentive.

“We currently have two players still in school, Keegan Jones and Sa-Qui Robinson. But other than that, we have a full squad hungry and eager to play with the aim of starting on a positive note.”

Also battling for silverware and early season bragging rights are promoted pair Southampton Rangers and PHC, who will square off in the First Division T20 Champion of Champions to precede the St David’s versus St George’s clash at Somerset today (10.30am).

Rangers achieved the First Division T20 league and Knockout Cup double last season and will be hoping to pick up another trophy and get the 2026 campaign off on the front foot.

“It’s a trophy at stake, something that obviously Rangers always look forward to doing — win trophies,” team stalwart Dion Stovell said.

“We won’t take PHC lightly because they are in the same situation. They can win a trophy also so I know they will be coming and giving their all.

“They have had good numbers at training under Cal Waldron, but I think our preparation has been good.

“I think our guys are in good spirits. Everybody is up for it and ready to play.

“We probably won’t be at full strength, a lot of people have personal commitments that they’re dealing with right now.

But everybody is up and ready for the game.”

Rangers profited handsomely during the transfer period having also picked experienced trio Delray Rawlins, Allan Douglas Jr and Deunte Darrell along with Bascome.

PHC cricket director Waldron said the players are also looking forward to the match.

“They're eager, enthusiastic and ready for the match,” he said.

“They have the opportunity to play top flight cricket. With that opportunity comes the chance to showcase their skill against the Premier League players on island, with whom they didn't play against last season.

“With that being said, all the work they have been doing in training will be on show. This will allow them to gauge themselves to see where they need to continue with their development and what upskills they will require to enhance and strengthen their skill sets.”

Western Stars were runners-up to Rangers in both the First Division T20 and Knockout Cup last season.

However, third place PHC were paired against Rangers for today’s T20 Champion of Champions clash and also promoted after Western Stars pulled out of the league this season due to the lack of a coach and shortage of players.