Many teams will be playing for huge stakes in this weekend's cricket matches as league competition comes to a climax and the Western Counties heat up.

The intense battle between Premier Division leaders, Southampton Rangers, and hard-chasing Western Stars - the defending league champions - will play out in the west end and in the city.

Rangers, on 164 points from 13 matches, meet Willow Cuts at Somerset Cricket Club, knowing that victory will give them the champagne moment they have been seeking since last winning the Premier title in 1999.

However, Cuts cannot be taken for granted. Despite a miserable league campaign - with just three wins in 12 games - they are enjoying a fruitful run in the Western Counties championship, having already knocked off last year's winners, Somerset Bridge, and Rangers. Add that capability to their desperation to avoid the relegation axe and a Rangers triumph is not a foregone conclusion.

"If I remember correctly, we have been in first place since the second week of the season. The importance of Sunday is two-fold. Winning outright will secure the league title. Secondly, Willow Cuts are always a tough team and we have a good rivalry. They beat us in the Western Counties so we're looking for a bit of revenge as well," said Rangers vice-captain Keith Wainwright.

The team, he added, is "pretty confident" having had a good work-out this week and will be at full strength as all players are available for this grand finale.

"This is one of those games where there's no tomorrow. It's our last match and everyone is up for it."

The prospect of Rangers' celebration being spoilt would please not only Cuts but Stars too. The latter, who oppose St. George's at St John's Field, will need Cuts' help if Albert Steede is to lift the league trophy for a second successive year. Stars are nine points off the lead on 155 points.

Far from bothering whether they do Stars a favour or not, Cuts skipper Richard Basden will be concentrating on ensuring his team secures a lifeline in the top flight. They are second-last in the table on 86 points while Somerset are just above them on 88 points. One of them will be joining PHC (76 points) - whose drop to First Division is virtually assured - in the downward slide.

However, Cuts can breathe a tad easier as they have a match in hand with a make-up game against Cleveland still to be played following their clash against Rangers.

"We're going to approach Sunday's (tomorrow) game as if it's the last game. We need to win. We needs points - a positive result - so we're not going to be easing up at any point. Rangers need to win to get the championship so it's 50-50.

"They need the points and we're trying to survive. May the best team win. Hopefully it will be us," said Basden.

He agreed there has been a gulf between Cuts' league and Western Counties performances which he attributed to greater interest in the latter competition.

"I think it's a bit more dedication. Most guys tend to get upbeat about County matches and some try harder than (they do) in the league.

"We tend to leave it a bit too late when it comes to the league. We're up against it this season again but we're still fighting."

Cuts can advance to the final round of the Western Counties competition today when they take on PHC at White Hill Field. Given their success so far, Cuts - with guest players Wendell White and Jacobi Robinson - are keen to maintain their winning streak.

"It's going take a team effort. We try to play as a tight-knit family. That's our best chance of winning. If we play together no-one can beat us but I am sure PHC is thinking the same thing about their team and they are looking to wrest the trophy from us.

"We're coming out with our guns blazing just like we did with Rangers. Hopefully things will go in our favour. At no time do we take anyone lightly. Just like with Bridge and Rangers, it's going to be a dog fight.

"Unless we show up to play we're going to get beat. If we do show up to play, we're very confident we can win," said Basden.

His opposite number, Cal Waldron, stated PHC would be "trying to make up for a whole season in one game". However, he noted, their biggest challenge may be beyond their control.

"Everybody is cautiously optimistic. The last two years our County games have been rained out. We just want some sunshine," said the PHC captain.

Bolstered by the presence of Hasan Durham and Sheridan Ming as guest players, PHC are "eager and ready to go", knowing that upstaging Cuts will put them in the August 23 final of the Western Counties against Warwick.

The weekend's other intriguing scenario is the battle between Devonshire and Flatts for the second promotion slot in the First Division. Bailey's Bay have already run away with the title (184 points) and will rejoin the Premier ranks next season but who will go up with them is yet undecided.

Devonshire and Flatts are two points apart on 171 and 169 respectively and both will have their final matches tomorrow. On paper, Devonshire look to have an easier afternoon against Somerset Bridge at home while Flatts encounter Police at Sea Breeze Oval.

"You can't look at it as just being an easy game. You want to think positive and win but you can never underestimate anybody. That would be very silly especially at this stage," warned Devonshire captain Winston Trott.

If his side play to their full potential he believes they can withstand Flatts' challenge and take the vital runners-up berth.