Devonshire Colts opened defence of their First Division title in impressive fashion at Southampton Oval yesterday.

Fielding almost the same line-up that stunned the league a year ago, Colts sent out early notice that they're intent on becoming the first team in the 1990s to win back-to-back championships.

Colts have just one win to show for three early-season cup matches but opponents shouldn't be too hopeful; after all, they started 1-3 a year ago and didn't lose again.

Yesterday, they played without injured full back J. Belboda but veteran Troy Harvey proved to be an adequate replacement for a team that prides itself on defence.

There were a few anxious moments, particularly late in the second half, but 'keeper Troy Hall twice came up with one-on-one saves to maintain a clean sheet.

At the other end, Vic Ball scored goals in the 41st and 74th minutes with substitute Harrison Trott rounding out the scoring in the 82nd.

After an even and energetic first 40 minutes, Ball walked into a Mark Ray rebound. Ray took a short pass from J. Belboda, faked a shot and then slid to the inside to bank the ball off 'keeper Randy Darrell.

Colts dominated the second half and were rewarded with Ball's second goal.

This too came off a nifty feed from Kemon Lawrence, who had picked up a loose ball after substitute Omar Butterfield rifled a low drive off the post.

Lawrence set up the final goal with a corner that Trott did well to redirect.

Without star striker Janeiro Tucker -- out until Christmas after knee surgery -- Rangers self-destructed once they got inside the Colts 18-yard box. Still, they counter attacked nicely and were unlucky not to score at least once, with Craig Darrell and Rohan Simons presenting the biggest threats.

Sheridan Ming, a stalwart last year for PHC, had probably the best chance when he went alone in the 57th minute. But, as was the case so often last year when the opponents scored just 11 times in 18 matches, Hall stood his ground, and recovered in time to fend away a rebound.

Southampton Rangers: R.Darrell, S.Simmons, D.Vicker, O.Riley, R.Belboda, W.Burgess, C.Simmons (N.Grant 78 mins), E.Pitt, S.Ming, H.Dillas (C.Darrell, 60 mins), R.Simmons Devonshire Colts: T.Hall, T.Harvey (J.Simmons, 74 mins), G.Bean, J.Samuels, J.Belboda, M.Ray, R.Jones (H.Trott, 70 mins), V.Ball, K.Lawrence, T.Smith, K.Smith (O.Butterfield, 69 mins).

Referee: Cal Simons Men of the match: Colts -- Vic Ball; Rangers -- Rohan Simons