activity in the run-up to the new season which begins this weekend.

League champions Devonshire have picked up Lloyd Morrison from Police but apparently have lost all-rounder Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock to their neighbours.

Leverock, a policeman, has had difficulty getting time off to play cricket and that is understood to be the reason behind his move. Also linked with Devonshire Rec is Flatts' attack bowler Troy Bean who has been training with them.

Central Counties winners Nationals, one of the surprise teams last season, look like having wicket-keeping problems this season with Winston Simmons doubtful for Sundays, as is opening batsman Lloyd Fray. Captain Darrin Lewis admits it's going to be a challenge improving on last season. "It's going to be a lot different because with the economy players are taking care of work and home first,'' Lewis said.

Youngster Terry Thomas may be given the wicket-keeping duties or Lewis has hinted he may be forced to do the job himself, as the other wicket-keeper, Jason Lewis, is still recovering from a knee injury. He returns from North Carolina with the Bermuda Regiment tomorrow and is expected to play in Nationals' season opener with Somerset.

Scott Carlington has joined Nationals from St. George's while Aaron Woolridge, who was with Nationals a couple of seasons ago, has shown interest in returning.

Ken Pitcher has replaced Delby Borden as captain of St. David's and one of his first tasks was to persuade batsman Phillip (Billy Joe) Pitcher to reconsider a move to neighbours St. George's. Dale Fox had also been linked with the Cup Match champions but Pitcher says he expects to have both players at his disposal as he seeks to lead the Islanders to a major trophy other than the Eastern Counties. "There were some personality clashes in the team but Allan (Richardson) and I were able to talk him (Billy Joe) into staying,'' said the new captain.

Pitcher will have Richardson as his vice captain and together with the experience of Oliver Pitcher, who has been training regularly, and George Cannonier and the promise of Lionel Cann, Herbie Bascome and Dale Fox this is a team that promises much.

"Dale hasn't come out to train because he's been involved in football, but he is registered and because I saw his registration form I'm pretty sure he will stay with us,'' says Pitcher.

Pitcher sees no reason why the team shouldn't hold its own against the likes of Devonshire Rec, Police and Bailey's Bay. "Obviously the years I spent over at St. George's under Wendell (Smith) and Clevie (Wade) has broadened my scope on cricket, I learned a lot and we won things.

"I've always believed St. David's has the potential to do likewise. We came fifth last year but there's no reason why we can't come first with the talent we've got. It could us back on the map by picking up a few trophies outside county cup.'' St. David's also have youngster Scott Minors back out training while medium pacer Cecil (Sam) Pitcher has returned from Cleveland. St. David's open their season with a home match against rivals St. George's, the former league champions.

West end rivals Somerset and Willow Cuts have been quiet in the transfer market with Somerset captain Andre Manders reporting that Steven (Cookie) Brown and Anthony Bailey are planning to return to the team this season while they have also picked up Mark Bean from Somerset Bridge.

"Cookie hasn't missed a training session yet,'' Manders revealed. "With Cookie we've got the extra pace bowler which we didn't have last year. He takes some of the pressure off Perry Maybury and Donovan Livingston. Our bowling department looks pretty good, we just have to work on our batting.'' Youngster Devon Wade, one of three players (Jermaine Warner and Rahji Edness the others) who has been in North Carolina with the Regiment, is a doubtful starter to the season because of a knee injury while batsman Gladwin Edness, the vice captain, may also miss the start of the season.

Dexter Basden goes into his fourth season as Willow cuts captain with keen interest in the limited overs competition. "We're going for the limited overs because two years ago we ended up with one of the best batting averages in the league,'' Basden said.

Cuts will be without top batsman Richard Basden for the early matches because of injury but otherwise they will have a familiar look, with former Somerset wicketkeeper Kelly Simmons their only addition and Brian Gibbons their only loss.

The season begins on Sunday with limited overs matches which see the 16 teams divided into two groups of eight, called Gold and Green.

The schedule is as follows: Gold: Ham. Parish v Willow Cuts; Nationals v Somerset; Bailey's Bay v Flatts; Devonshire v YMSC.

Green: St. David's v St. George's; Southampton v Cleveland; Police v Somerset Bridge; Western Stars v Warwick.

DWAYNE LEVEROCK -- Formerly with Devonshire, the talented all-rounder will be part of the Police line-up this season.