Despite coming out on the losing end of the Duckworth/Lewis scoring system during Saturday's Camel Cup semifinal match against Western Stars, Southampton Rangers' coach Clevie Wade is still confident of big things from his players this season.

Laden with talent, Rangers have not had too much to shout about since winning the league championship in 1999 and then the Western Counties the following year.

Now with the two key additions of Kenny Phillips and Ricky Brangman into the fold, the south shore club possess a well rounded nucleus that could pose a strong challenge for major honours this season.

"Basically it was unfortunate how the game went," said Wade. "Our loss was mainly due to Mother Nature."

Chasing 236 for victory, Rangers' openers Keith Wainwright and Kwame Tucker both went cheaply.

However, a desperately sought 80 run partnership by Ricky Brangman (33) and Stevie Lightbourne (56) kept the west enders hopes alive before the heavens opened up and washed away their chances with skipper Janeiro Tucker (15) just beginning to unwind at the crease.

"I felt that we were still in the game," added Wade. "But by not getting a good start it hurt us in the end - especially with the great batting depth that we have.

"If Keith (Wainwright) and Kwame (Tucker) would have laid the foundation for guys like Stevie, Janeiro and myself to come through and follow, things may have been a little different.

"I also feel that our opening bowlers did not bowl to their full potential as far as restricting Stars' batsmen.

"They got off to a flyer! After four overs they had something like 40 plus runs on the board. That also really set us back a bit.

"I look at limited overs as either you contain them (the opposition) or you pick up wickets. They hurt us in both departments, but I still take my hat off to guys like Albert (Steede) - he is a fighter.

"He batted well and played a chanceless innings."

But according to Wade, all of that is now a thing of the past as his players have accepted what transpired on the day and are now prepared to move on.

"We had a constructive meeting after the game and accepted the result as water under the bridge," said Wade.

"I still feel that we have a great team to be competitive for top honours.

"We have a solid batting line-up and I feel that our bowlers will come into their own as the season progresses."

Noticeably missing from Rangers' line-up on Saturday were bowlers Ryan Belboda and David Saltus who were both reportedly down at the third Test Match in Barbados.

"I have a couple of youngsters still to come out," said Wade. "Quinton Sherlock Jr. and David Perreira are also due to come back some time this week which will give us even more options."

With such an abundance of talent yet to come, coach Wade, himself a former St.George's Cup Match skipper, says that he doesn't anticipate playing too much this season - that is if his team do not find themselves in the rough!

"I would really like to put 100 percent into my coaching," said Wade. "I am prepared to come in and assist them on the field if need be, but once we are at full strength I don't see any reason why I need to play."