First Division Somerset Bridge have been busy in the transfer market, while perennial giants St.George's have suffered an exodus of players ahead of the start of the new cricket season.

Anthony Tucker (YMSC), Kaya Robinson (PHC), Eugene Johnson (SCC), Tucoma Robinson (Southampton) and former Flatts' stalwart Nakia Smith will all suit up for the west enders this summer as they prepare to play under new coach Perry Maybury.

Bridge, regarded as minnows since the days of the late Mackie Simmons, Stephen Lambert, O'Neil Virgil, James Swan and Brian Brangman, have not had too much to shout about in recent memory.

However, all of that may be about to change with the new influx of talent set to come onboard at the White Hill club.

Set to kick off their 2002 campaign against a powerful St.David's side next weekend in a combined Knockout Cup first round match at Lord's, Bridge could now also be considered as potential promotion contenders.

Meanwhile, St.David's, the undisputed kings of domestic cricket have also been given a boost with the acquisition of St.George's' stalwart Wendell Smith, Mackie Crane and Robert Fox, who have all opted to make the short trek across the harbour.

Cleveland County have acquired the services of Gary Williams (YMSC) and Jibreel Talbot formerly of Flatts.

Southampton Rangers will look to former St.George's strike bowler Kenny Phillips and former skipper Ricky Brangman (Stars) to provide the goods as Janeiro Tucker and Co. prepare to challenge for major honours after enduring a sombre 2001 campaign.

Willow Cuts, another team that should be regarded as First Division promotion contenders scooped up the towering Craig Brangman from neighbouring Somerset Cricket Club and Devonshire Rec's Shane Simmons.

PHC have just one new addition in Cleveland's Jeremy Fray, while Western Stars', likewise, have extended the welcoming mat to Flatts' Kevin Hurdle.

Veteran Gary Brangman (Stars) and Cleveland's Mishael Paynter have decided to suit up for St.George's this summer, while Willow Cuts' Dwayne Basden has moved across the street to Somerset Cricket Club.

Willow Cuts' Trevor Forth (formerly Dickinson) and Young Mens Social Club's Levar Talbot both had their transfer bids squashed after affiliates voted earlier this year in favour of coach Mark Harper's plan to prohibit players from the lower division moving up to the Super Eight league for at least the first two seasons of the new league format.