The 2003 cricket season officially swings into action this weekend with matches scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.

Last season saw Western Stars and St.David's walk away with all of the spoils and this summer promises to be much of the same as both clubs have either retained most of last season's squad or have reinforced their ranks.

Stars captured the Premier Division championship, Central Counties, Champion of Champions and Combined KO titles while the Islanders seized the former Camel Cup (now Belco Cup) and Premier Division KO championship.

However, the question remains: Are the Islanders and Stars capable of consolidating their position atop the summit for another year? Or could this be the year that Southampton Rangers finally break through?

Also, Cleveland County, bolstered by the return of Del Hollis, Andre Hendrickson and Curtis Jackson could emerge from the shadows and it might be unwise count out St. George's - a team who always seems to rise for the big occasion.

Somerset, under new coach Jeff Richardson, could also spring a few surprises on unwary opponents.

Facing the acid test will be Premier Division newcomers PHC and Willow Cuts, while former Commercial Division part-timers LegTrappers will quickly have to adjust to life in the First Division, along with Bailey's Bay.

Bay were relegated to the lower division last season for the first time in the club's illustrious history after an indifferent campaign that saw them upset St.David's in the Eastern Counties final at Sea Breeze Oval.