players for today's opening round match in the Western Counties Cup at Southampton Oval today (11 a.m.).

Rangers, looking to re-establish themselves as the powers in the Western Counties, have again called on batsman Dexter Smith of Devonshire Rec. and strike bowler Clarkie Trott of Bailey's Bay to boost their ranks.

PHC have countered by naming Trott's clubmate Ricky Hill, who previously played in the counties for Warwick, alongwith Western Stars allrounder Hasan Durham in their line-up. PHC should score more than the 59 they managed against Rangers in last year's third round which marked their debut in the competition, but are they strong enough to cause the champions any real concerns? Also playing for the challengers are colts Neil Anglin and Shoron Hunt who will likely share the new ball and with it the responsibility of penetrating the top of the Rangers batting order.

Rangers will rely on the likes of Dexter Smith, Keith Wainwright, Kwame Tucker, Janeiro Tucker and captain Olin Jones for the bulk of their runs.

Spinner David Saltus, who was ineligible last year, is the only colt in the Rangers team.

Last year the cup changed hands twice, with Warwick dethroning Somerset Bridge in the first round and Rangers winning the cup back after a four-year wait with victory over Warwick in the second round.

After thrashing PHC by 10 wickets in a third round tie that was over by 2.40, Rangers got their closest match from Willow Cuts in the final which they won by just 23 runs.

Southampton: Olin Jones, Janeiro Tucker, Keith Wainwright, Kwame Tucker, Dexter Smith, Carl Garzette, Garry Williams, Clarkie Trott, Dwayne Steede, Ryan Belboda, David Saltus (colt). Res: David Burchall, Aaron Burrows.

PHC: Cal Waldron, Braxton Stowe, Ricky Hill, Hasan Durham, Arthur Richards, Neil Anglin (colt), Shoron Hunt (colt), Kevin Dill, Kallan Johnston, Antoine Greene, Mark Smith. Res: Kenny Mills, Millard Rawlins.

Unbeaten St. George's can wrap up the Open League title tomorrow when they host Police at Wellington Oval. The east enders stretched their lead at the top to 20 points last weekend after beating Willow Cuts while Police and Western Stars could only manage a draw.

Police and Southampton are the only teams that can catch St. George's but Police, who have a game in hand against Bailey's Bay, still need to win tomorrow to have any chance at the title.

Bay, the defending Open champions, entertain Cleveland at Sea Breeze Oval while Western Stars take on winless Devonshire Rec. at St. John's field and Southampton Rangers host Willow Cuts at Southampton Oval.

In the First Division, Flatts take on Social Club at Devonshire Rec. while PHC play St. David's at St. David's and Somerset meet Warwick at Somerset.