Bermuda champs stumble out of the gate

1999 Bermuda cricket league champions Southampton Rangers made a disappointing start to their title defence on the weekend. Playing at Police Recreation Club, the boys in blue, knocked down the champions for only 116. Their new skipper, Janeiro Tucker topped the batting with 18. Michael Jackman and Richard Austin both claimed three wickets as dismissals occurred at regular intervals. In reply, Dave Greenidge and Ferdinand Thorne both scored 28 as Police crept to their winning total of 119 in 41.4 overs, losing six wickets along the way.

Rangers lost their first match last year and went on to claim the championship in convincing style by winning all their remaining matches. They hope this loss will be something of an omen again this season.