S.RANGERS Southampton Rangers have bolstered their squad since the end of last season, but questions remain unanswered over whether they have done enough to challenge for ultimate supremacy. Stevie Lightbourne comes in to strengthen a batting line-up that, while possessing quality, was rather short. Rangers have arguably the best opening tandem in Keith Wainwright and Olin Jones, with the former having had his finest season last year when he averaged more than 57 runs. Going down the line, there is captain Janeiro Tucker, player/coach Clevie Wade and Kwame Tucker. In the bowling department Garry Williams looks a threat, while ever reliable Ryan Belboda, Jones, Wade and the skipper are all viable options.

Captain: Janeiro Tucker Home field: Southampton Oval Key players: Janeiro Tucker, Olin Jones, Keith Wainwright, Kwame Tucker, Cleavie Wade Additions: Stevie Lightbourne, Mark Smith, Tucoma Robinson Departures: None 2000 league record (position): 10-4-0 (fourth) Predicted finish: Third WARWICK Coach Allan Douglas did well to inch Warwick back to a level of respectability last season, winning the Western Counties Cup -- albeit briefly -- and showing determined spirit even in the face of mounting losses. This is a young side that will suffer through their share of ups and downs, but if held together the team bears watching. Youngsters Dion Stovell and Kion Butterfield stand out as bright prospects and with a year's seasoning under their belts, should be even better the second time around.

Captain: Reginald Pitcher Home field: Southampton Oval Key players: Reginald Pitcher, Kion Butterfield, Dion Stovell Additions: None Departures: None 2000 league results (position): 3-11-0 (13th) Predicted finish: 11th W.STARS Too big! Too fast! Too strong! Too good! No contest! Western Stars distinguished themselves as the preeminent power in local cricket last season, going unbeaten in all competitions and snatching four titles, with only Mother Nature denying them the privilege of all five and there is little to suggest they cannot repeat this time around. Albert Steede returns as captain and is eager to do just that, but may find things a tad more difficult the second time around. Part of this will be due to the retirement of Gary Brangman and the semi-retirement of opener Treadwell Gibbons. However, both holes have been filled with bright, young prospect Gershon Gibbons moving into his namesake's position, while Dwayne Leverock replaces Brangman's right-arm medium pace with his left-arm spin. The pace burden now falls squarely on Saleem Mukudem and young Jaja Millett. However, it is the slow bowling department that will carry them, with last year's top wicket taker Hasan Durham, Leverock, Justin Robinson and Arnold Manders the major players. Expect more champagne corks to be flying in the region of St. John's Road.

Captain: Albert Steede Home field: St. John's Field Key players: Albert Steede, Hasan Durham, Arnold Manders, Cleon Scotland, Saleem Mukudem, Dwayne Leverock Additions: Gershon Gibbons, Dwayne Leverock Departures: Andre Manders 2000 league record (position): 14-0-0 (first) Predicted finish: First WILLOW CUTS A hard side to gauge, appearing as world beaters one day, clueless the next.

That said, it is a must that Dexter Basden be able to garner a consistently good standard from his troops if they are to make a legitimate run at a place in the top four. Past years -- excluding last season's debacle -- would seem to indicate Cuts to be able to challenge any of the `Big Boys' and a healthy Richard Basden back in the line-up may indeed make all the difference.

Captain: Dexter Basden Key players: Dexter Basden, Richard Basden, Andre Hendrickson, Kevin Fubler, Dwight Basden Additions: None Departures: Davon Wade, Shannon Warner 2000 league record (position): 6-8-0 (eighth) Predicted finish: Sixth