meets east in one of the days featured matches.

Fresh off a hard-earned defeat of Willow Cuts, Western Counties champions Southampton face St. David's -- rulers of the east -- still smarting from the hiding received against Western Stars, where they were skittled out for a mere 96 runs.

To that end, the Islanders have taken steps to bolster a brittle line-up and expect to have batsmen James Pace and Steve Nurse included tomorrow.

Veteran opening bat Allen Richardson suggested that last week was not a true reflection of the squad's ability and that they would be looking for a quick turnaround tomorrow.

"It was just unfortunate (last weekend) that we batted first on a damp wicket, which really affected our batting against Western Stars,'' said Richardson, who only managed six runs. "I don't feel that Rangers quite have the bowling depth as did Western Stars and we should be able to build a good total against them if we bat first.'' Richardson also indicated that the switch to limited overs and the need for quick runs served to undo many of the batsmen.

"What we have to do is look at the game as a regular match,'' he said. "When the players hear it's 50 overs it's like alarm bells go off.

"We need to settle down and bat responsibly regardless of the number of overs.'' Last season, St. David's enjoyed much success against tomorrow's opponents, defeating them twice, including a seven-wicket victory at White Hill field, which gave them the Benson and Hedges title.

However, Rangers possess quite an arsenal themselves, especially in the batting department, where Keith Wainwright, who scored a half-century last week, Olin Jones, Clevie Wade and Ricky Brangman are all capable of decorating the scoreboard.

Speedster Garry Williams is rapidly improving as a strike bowler, as evidenced by a five-wicket haul last weekend. Wade and Jones add a touch of slower bowling to keep opponents from getting too comfortable.

At Wellington Oval, St. George's have quite a task in the form of 1992 Camel Cup champions Devonshire Rec., who faltered last year, but appear rejuvenated under the new leadership of captain Albert Steede.

The addition of former Nationals regulars, Jason Lewis and brothers Mark and John Ray certainly have not hurt either, fortifying both the batting and bowling.

As expected, they eased by Somerset Bridge in the season opener and look to continue along that vein against the east-enders, who were given a scare by Cleveland a week ago.

"The guys did well in all departments last week and they have to maintain that sort of consistent level of play and carry it through the season,'' said Steede. "With the limited overs format we have to treat each game like a championship.

"This year players are showing a totally different attitude than last year where guys didn't seem to care as much. It will certainly be a dogfight on Sunday and for the season.'' There should be one change to the side from the Bridge game with spinner Bruce Perinchief set to make his Devonshire debut in place of Winston Trott Jr., who is unavailable.

For runs Devonshire can look to the opening pair of Roger Trott and Terry Fray, with Steede, Lewis and the big-hitting Anthony Amory following.

St. George's would want a better start than they received last week, which saw them scrambling early on before being rescued by the tail.

Meanwhile, in other contests, Police should have little difficulty at home against Warwick and defending champions Stars can be counted on to deliver another blow to new boys PHC, who barely managed 50 runs in their inaugural Premier Division match.

Somerset Bridge entertain Social Club and should may be firm favourites at home. The only near certainty is that one should get their first win of the year.

The Willow Cuts versus Somerset west end derby is a relative toss-up, although Cuts have enjoyed success in the most recent encounters.

Remaining matches pit Bailey's Bay against Cleveland and Flatts taking on Hamilton Parish.

KEITH WAINWIGHT -- Made 73 against Willow cuts last week.