Rangers ready for battle
when they come up against former holders Willow Cuts in the third round of the competition at Southampton Oval today.
The expected challenge from Warwick in the second round never materialised as Warwick were dismissed for only 116 before losing by six wickets.
Now Rangers will set their sights on a Willow Cuts team that warmed up for the challenge by smashing 300 runs off Bailey's Bay bowlers last weekend.
And while Cuts are not expected to select any guest players, the cup holders have again extended invitations to opening batsman Dexter Smith of Devonshire Rec. and strike bowler Clarkie Trott of Bailey's Bay.
Rangers have made two changes from the last round with Gary Crofton coming in to replace Garry Williams as Trott's new ball partner and colt David Burchall replacing spinner David Saltus.
Cuts will be encouraged by last weekend's batting performance when Jermaine Warner, Dwayne Basden, Davon Wade, Richard Basden and Cordell Gilbert all got among the runs as Bay were kept in the sun all afternoon, dashing their hopes of retaining the Open title.
On paper the two teams look evenly matched and if both play to their potential an entertaining match should result. The Overs format means that, unlike the Eastern Counties, a winner will be produced.
Southampton: Olin Jones, Janeiro Tucker, Kwame Tucker, Keith Wainwright, Dwayne Steede, Ryan Belboda, Dexter Smith, Clarkie Trott, Carl Garzette, Gary Crofton, David Burchall (colt). Res: Kamen Tucker, Roland Rhodes.
Bailey's Bay should make up for the loss of their Open title by wrapping up the Overs League tomorrow when they close out their league campaign against St. David's at Lord's.
Bay are presently tied on 11 points with St. George's but have a far superior net run rate. Victory over St. David's would seal the title while St.
George's, missing Clay Smith and Dean Minors who have returned to school, will try to extend their unbeaten record against Police at Police Field.
In the other matches Willow Cuts and Devonshire Rec. will be trying to avoid the drop into the First Division with bottom team Warwick. Cuts play Warwick at Somerset while Devonshire meet Western Stars at Devonshire Rec.
In the First Division, Southampton Rangers are already certain of promotion and can wrap up the title with victory over Somerset at Southampton Oval.
Eastern Counties rivals Flatts and Cleveland are battling for second place.