The 2002 Western Counties series kicks off today at Southampton Oval (10 a.m.) where cup holders Willow Cuts open the defence of their crown against a spirited, youthful Warwick outfit.

In fact today's match will be a repeat of last year's final in which Cuts went on to destroy Warwick by five wickets at White Hill Field after bowling them out for a meagre 99.

Since then, however, both teams have endured contrasting seasons with Cuts fast fading out of the promotion picture, while Allan Douglas' team remain hard on the heels of First Division leaders PHC and have already beaten Cuts this campaign by four wickets.

But despite his team's inconsistent form this season, Cuts' skipper Richard Basden remains confident in his players even though he himself will not be a part of today's contest as he's still recovering from a foot injury.

"We (Cuts) are looking to play hard and win," Basden cautioned. "We do have people other than myself who can pull their weight and a few players who are currently on good form like Dwight (Basden), Steven (Mendes) and deputising skipper Reggie Tucker.

"Obviously you know what Dexter (Basden) can do, but we do need to pick up our bowling. I think that our bowling is a little bit soft."

Cuts are again expected to be boosted by the presence of guests players Wendell White and Jacobi Robinson.

Warwick, meanwhile, will be trying to get their hands on the coveted cup for the third consecutive season.

"The past two years we have been able to win it convincingly, but we have always fallen at the next hurdle," said team manager Mike Watson.

"We are obviously hoping for a good match and we are expecting some good things from our team this year and the Western Counties has certainly been one of our focuses. So hopefully this time around we can win it and then hold onto it."

Warwick have again called on the services of St.George's' Mark (Beaver) Ray and St.David's' Sammy Robinson to complement their nucleus of youngsters.

Coach Allan Douglas remains off the Island.

Turning to tomorrow's Premier Division schedule, Southampton Rangers will be looking to reduce the league title race down to two teams when they take to field against third-placed St.George's at Southampton Oval.

During the team's previous meeting at Wellington Oval this season, St. George's took a spoke out of Rangers' wheel with a slim five-run victory, but since then Rangers have remained undefeated in the league with their hopes of a first championship since 1999 still very much alive.

Western Stars, meanwhile, should be able to keep their unbeaten streak in tact when they travel to Sea Breeze Oval to take on Flatts.

Earlier this season, Flatts and Stars provided fans with plenty of fireworks during an entertaining match at St.John's Field. After Stars had racked up 347 for seven, Flatts made a spirited reply before falling short by 74 runs with James Celestine (118) and Derek Wright (61) doing most of the damage with the bat before the bottom finally fell out and they were dismissed for 273 - by far their highest score in recent memory.

Elsewhere, current league champions St.David's take on Somerset at Somerset Cricket Club, where Wendell White, Curtis Jackson and Sheridan Ming will be looking to continue their fine form heading up to Cup Match.

Cleveland host Bailey's Bay at Wellington Oval.

In First Division action, league leaders PHC should widen the gap between themselves and second placed Warwick, as they take on Social Club at St. John's Field, while Devonshire are at home to Willow Cuts.

Elsewhere in the division, Somerset Bridge host Police at White Hill Field.

All matches begin at 12 noon.