Dion Stovell and Shannon Rayner have left Southampton Rangers for St David’s, while Oronde Bascome is returning to St George’s after one season with Rangers.

Stovell was linked with a move to either Willow Cuts or Cleveland, for whom he plays in the Eastern Counties. However, the all-rounder opted instead to join Cleveland’s Eastern Counties rivals ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Rayner is no stranger to St David’s, having played for them before transferring to Rangers in 2008 and again in 2013. Now he will be joined at Lord’s by former Rangers captain Stovell, as Rangers rue the departure of three players who helped them to win the league title last season.

Dalin Richardson is another to severe ties with the club, as he heads to promoted side Western Stars, who also picked up Khiry Furbert from PHC. Rangers have made one signing, with Ricardo Brangman, son of coach Ricky Brangman, joining from Devonshire Rec to play alongside brother Derrick.

Stovell finished as the league’s top scorer with 402 runs at an average of 57.43 and claimed 16 wickets at an average of 15.75 with his off spin to earn the Premier Division most valuable player award.

His spot will be a hard one to fill in the Rangers team when the champions begin the defence of their league title next month.

And while both Cleveland and Cuts reportedly spoke to Stovell about joining them in the top flight this season, with Carlton Smith, the Cleveland president, pointing to the connections the batsman already has with the Eastern Counties champions, it was rivals St David’s who landed his signature.

St David’s have another player returning, with Ajuan Lamb heading back to the club after a stint at Devonshire Rec, while veteran spinner Del Hollis is seeking a new challenge after opting to join First Division side PHC from St David’s.

Bascome’s departure from St George’s last season was the prelude to the former Cup Match captain predictably losing his place in the Annual Classic. After playing football for St George’s this season, in the wake of graduation from school in England, Bascome has decided to recommit to the cricket programme before what should be a full season of availability.

Like St David’s, St George’s have been busy during the transfer period, with Detroy Smith rejoining them from Cleveland and Richard Todd returning from St David’s.

Chris Foggo is hoping to resurrect his career at Wellington Oval after joining St George’s from Cleveland.

Relegated Somerset have lost youngster Kwasi James, who has opted to stay in the Premier Division with neighbours Willow Cuts, while Azar Morrissey has moved in the other direction. Pierre Smith heads to Bailey’s Bay after one season with Somerset, while Steven Bremar is joining Cleveland from Devonshire Rec.

Kamau Leverock, who has spent his past couple of summers playing in Britain, has obtained a transfer from Southampton Rangers to Flatts.

The season officially starts in two weeks with opening Twenty20 matches at Sea Breeze Oval and White hill Field on April 16.

• Players are still encouraged to sign up for the over-45 Warrington ”Soup” Zuill T20 League. Half the required 90 players to start the six-team league have given their names to organiser Hoyt Zuill, leaving places for another 45 ahead of the draft.

Those interested, men and women, should contact Zuill at 504-4698 or somari@blessed.bm as soon as possible.