Western Stars, Bailey's Bay and St. George's! Not necessarily in that order, but those are again expected to be the top three teams during the 1998 cricket season with Willow Cuts and Police, presently on tour in Barbados, the other main contenders.

Last year Stars retained their Premier Division Overs title while Bay replaced them as the Open champions. Bay also added the Camel Cup and Knockout Cup to their collection while losing the Eastern Counties.

However, because of their poor, third-from-last finish in the Overs division, Bay have not qualified for the Camel Cup which is scheduled for the weekend of May 16 and 17.

That will involve Stars, St. George's, Willow Cuts and Police who finished in that order, while St. George's, Stars and Cuts completed the top four in the Open behind Bay.

Charlie Marshall returns as captain of Bay and is confident of the team's chances, having dispelled rumours that last season's top batsman, Glenn Smith, was leaving the club. "I didn't listen to the rumours because I never spoke to Glenn,'' said Marshall, who has since been assured by Smith that he would remain with Bay.

"We had a prize-giving about two weeks ago and I mentioned to the people there that Glenn wasn't leaving Bay.'' In addition to the return of Ricky Hill, whom Marshall describes as Bermuda's top batsman when he's on form, Bay also have four Hamilton Parish players, Dennis Trott, Roderick Masters, Shane Burgess and Irving Burgess, training with them. That could force Parish out of the league after only one year back as they are struggling to put together a squad.

"I have always told people that Ricky is the best opening batsman in Bermuda,'' said Marshall. "He has given me the indication he is looking forward to playing this season. "I always stress to our guys to look forward to having a great season and just be happy and enjoy the game.'' St. George's are hoping the addition of allrounders Clevie Wade and Lionel Cann will boost their bid for honours.

"Last year we were second in both leagues but with Clevie and Lionel there is no reason why we can't win it all,'' said Clay Smith who is returning for a third year as captain with Herbie Bascome his vice-captain.

"It's just a matter of guys being dedicated to the programme. That's where I think we fell short over the last two seasons.'' Wade missed the whole of last year with a knee injury while Cann has joined the club from neighbours St. David's.

"We've been training for a month and a half now and things aren't looking too bad, though we haven't had the numbers that we would have liked,'' said Smith, who recently became the first cricketer or footballer to win Government's Athlete of the Year award following his performances for Bermuda in the Red Stripe Cup last year.

Smith just finished helping Vasco win four soccer trophies and is in the mood for more success.

"Cricket is my first love so once football is done I realise a (new) challenge awaits me,'' said Smith.

"Since the award a lot of people will be looking at me to see what level I'm going to be playing at. That encourages me that much more to tune in and get myself ready for the upcoming season.'' Another player focusing on the new season is his older brother and former captain, Wendell, who missed most of last season because he was building a house.

And while Smith intends to play when needed, he will be concentrating more on coaching the St. George's under 13 and senior teams.

"We've sustained our junior programme even though there wasn't that much going on,'' explained Wendell.

"Two years ago we paired about six Cup Match players (himself, Dexter Smith, Clevie Wade, Clay Smith, Dean Minors and Charlie Marshall) with two youngsters each and had them help coach those specific youngsters.'' Smith is hoping to start that again with the return of the Shell Youth League.

"I think it will be successful because the organisation has been excellent under Randy Horton's committee,'' said Smith.

"There is some wonderful talent all over the Island, and it would be nice to have a structured programme for them to come out to.

"I just hope the field operators play their part and have their wickets ready for the youngsters when they are supposed to.'' Photos by David Skinner NOWHERE TO RUN -- Renegades' forwards Rod Forrest (left) and Danny Forsythe (right) wrap up Mariners' centre Rob Morgan (with ball) during yesterday's match at Nationals. BELOW: Gades scrum half Stevie Given gets his back line moving with a diving pass from the back of a scrum as Mariners' flanker Simon Van de Weg takes off in pursuit.