Counties stage their first round at White Hill Field (11 a.m.) And like Western Stars in the Central Counties, champions Willow Cuts should start the campaign as firm favourites.

Today's opponents, Somerset Bridge, will rely on two Western Stars guest players -- Arnold Manders and Jeff Richardson -- as they bid to win back the cup they held up until the second round of the 1994 competition when Cuts beat them by 39 runs.

That day Richardson scored 35 and Manders 31 not out in the Bridge total of 96. They were the only Bridge players in double figures and they will again carry the brunt of the Bridge batting responsibilities today.

Bridge have named one colt in Jamie Cann, the brother of St. David's all-rounder Lionel Cann. Their team is solid with Corvett Lambert at the helm while others in the team are Brian Gibbons, David Jones, Perry Maybury, Francis Richardson, Denzil Dill, O'Neil Virgil and Kenneth Simmons.

History was created between these two teams last year in the two-day final when Cuts batsman Gladwin Edness scored a record 206, the first double century in the competition.

Also on tap today will be the Colts Cup Match at Wellington Oval and the first round of the Junior Eastern Counties between St. David's and Bailey's Bay at Lord's.

Tomorrow the focus will switch to Premier and First Division action as limited overs returns in the top division.

The day's top match should be at St.John's Field when Police make another visit to the venue where two weeks ago when they snatched the Central Counties title from Stars. However, that was against a weakened Stars team and with Arnold Manders, Jeff Richardson and Albert Steede back, the match should at least be closer. Stars have lost their last two limited overs matches and will be keen to bounce back.

In other matches St. George's take on Cleveland at Wellington Oval in a preview of their Knockout Cup final, while Bailey's Bay are at home to Nationals and St. David's host Willow Cuts.

In First Division Open action the top match will be between PHC and Southampton at White Hill as Rangers opener Sheridan Ming takes on his former team-mates. Flatts meet Social Club at Devonshire Rec., while Somerset are at home to Devonshire Rec. and Warwick host Somerset Bridge.