Cup holders Southampton Rangers will face challengers PHC in the opening round of this year's Western Counties Cup competition.

Rangers squeaked by Somerset Bridge by eight runs in last year's final and they could be in for another bumpy ride against a bolstered PHC outfit when this year's competition begins on –July 4 at Southampton Oval.

The two teams meet in a dress rehearsal on Sunday at White Hill Field in the Premier Division.

PHC picked up key players such as wicketkeeper/batsman Ricky Brangman jr and all-rounder Dean Stephens during the off-season and last month held long-time nemesis Rangers to a draw at the Oval in the Open League.

The eventual winner between PHC and Rangers will take on Willow Cuts in the second round to be held on July 11 with the winner of that match progressing to the third round where they will lock horns with last year's beaten finalists Bridge on August 8.

The eventual winners face Warwick in the final on August 22.

Meanwhile, a Western Counties XI will compete for the Mackie Simmons Memorial Trophy against Somerset in an official Cup Match Trial at Somerset Cricket Club on June 15.

Schedule: First Round ¿ Southampton Rangers v PHC, July 4

Second Round ¿ winner of first round v Willow Cuts, July 11

Third Round ¿ winner of second round v Somerset Bridge, August 8

Final ¿ winner of third round v Warwick, August 22.

All matches to be held at Southampton Oval.