SPCL 2003 - a preview of Division One

Captain: Roger Miller. Overseas player: Gareth Tate (South Africa).

Roared away to a flying start last season, topping the log at the end of the initial five-week session of 50-over matches, only to lose their way in the 'time' games. Roger Miller relies on a competitive and largely unchanged squad which will give most teams a run for their money. Miller and Toby Radford (who has been in excellent early season form) will again be the key batsmen, with Richard Taylor and newcomer Jeremy Ord (from Old Tauntonians & Romsey) having new-ball responsibilities. A winter in Australia should have sharpened Matt Hooper's off-spinning skills.

Prospects: Will again prove a match in 50-over cricket.

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BASHLEY (RYDAL)

Captain: Matt King. Overseas player: Brad Thompson (Australia).

There's no Luke Ronchi this summer, but the arrival of Brad Thompson, at 35 years the most experienced overseas player yet to appear in the SEPL, will add all-round strength to Bashley's cause. The New Forest club finished third last year after a poor start, beating both champions Havant and BAT Sports, the runners-up. There's plenty in the Bashley locker to suggest a determined crack at the title this summer under new skipper Matt King, who takes over from long serving Neil Taylor. Andy Sexton, Neil Thurgood, Richard Knowles, Chris Sketchley and Aussie Thompson should score plenty of runs, with Kevin Nash and John Whiting forming a penetrative opening attack. Sketchley and Taylor provide the spin back up.

Prospects: Potential challengers.

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B.A.T.SPORTS

Captain: Richard Dibden. Overseas: Neal Parlane (New Zealand).

The 2001 champions have yet to finish outside the top three in Premier cricket and will undoubtedly be a force again, particularly in the longer format matches. Neal Parlane's impressive performances for Fleetwood in the ECB Liverpool Competition and his ability to accumulate runs will give a substantial boost to the top order. Expect Damian Shirazi, David Banks and father-to-be Richard Kenway at the batting forefront again and Dan Goldstraw to add to his impressive 86-wicket haul in the past two seasons. Richard Dibden and evergreen Terry Rawlins provide the spin options in a well balanced attack.

Prospects: Very good.

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BOURNEMOUTH SPORTS

Captain: Matt Swarbrick. Overseas: Adam Voges (Western Australia).

As usual, there's a clutch of new faces at Chapel Gate, with Adam Voges expected to give Bournemouth a massive boost. Opening bowler Kristian Wilson has gone to Kent and will play at The Mote, while Dorset vice-captain Sean Walbridge, with 200 Minor Counties scalps, heads a battery of newcomers. Andy Coleman, University student Chris van Vliet and ex-Wellow & Plaitford all-rounder Wayne Lockey will all press strongly for first team places under Richard Scott, who will initially captain the side in Matt Swarbrick's absence. When Tom Webley returns from Cambridge, Bournemouth could have six left-arm bowlers !

Prospects: Normal mid-table slot.

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CALMORE SPORTS

Captain: Tom Pegler. Overseas: Christof Bothma (South Africa).

Often written off, Calmore have a habit of upsetting the form book, but this season could be an uphill struggle, particularly after a daunting four-match start. Hythe & Dibden's South African all-rounder Eugene Bursler, now residentially qualified, is a handy acquisition, but Jez Goode has gone to Chichester and the promising Matt Metcalfe to join the Hampshire Academy. Even greater responsibility could fall upon the shoulders of 2002 Young Cricketer James Hibberd, who will need to increase last season's 466-run and 31-wicket feat if Calmore are to keep their heads above water.

Prospects: Gloomy.

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HAMPSHIRE CRICKET ACADEMY

Captain: Giles White.

Back injuries to Chris Benham and, more significantly, New Milton prospect David Wheeler may dilute the strength of the newly promoted Academy team, which has Iain Brunnschweiler and Charlie van der Gucht acting as first lieutenants to former Hampshire opener Giles White, who replaces Tony Middleton as captain. James Schofield and Irfin Shah have left last year's Premier 2 championship winning squad, which now includes Calmore's Matt Metcalfe. The presence of the Young Hawks will add overall professionalism to the SPL, but player development, as opposed to lifting trophies, is the main object. They will again be difficult to beat at the Rose Bowl, particularly so if White takes a hands-on role. Tom Burrows and David Griffiths are two names to watch, along with Luke Merry.

Prospects: Will more than hold their own.

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HAVANT

Captain: Paul Gover. Overseas: Greg Cox (Australia)

Champions twice in the past three seasons, Havant start as favourites, but Steve Snell (fractured jaw) and key South African born all-rounder Mackie Hobson miss the start, along with Greg Cox, who does not arrive until late May. But there's no shortage of ability in the Havant camp, with re-appointed skipper Paul Gover, Andy Perry, Dominic Carson and Richard Hindley likely to dominate batting sessions. When Cox arrives from South Melbourne, Havant's spinning department will be all-powerful, with Hindley and the evergreen Phil Loat likely to prosper on the Park's tailored tracks.

Prospects: The team to beat.

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LIPHOOK and RIPSLEY

Captain: Jeremy Bulled. Overseas: Alistair Gray (South Africa).

Duncan Berry has decided to step down after seven years as captain, leaving wicketkeeper Jeremy Bulled in charge of a squad weakened by the loss of left-arm all-rounder Neil Randall (Portsmouth) and Hampshire Under-19s starlet Chris Wright to Havant. A huge responsibility rests with Cape Town-based Alistair Gray, whose 701 run aggregate last summer was bettered only by Luke Ronchi. Tim Wheatley will wheel away, but Liphook are odds-on for a long season.

Prospects: Relegation struggle ahead.

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PORTSMOUTH

Captain: Lee Savident. Overseas: Andrew Locke (South Africa). Contracted: Lawrie Prittipaul.

The arrival of South African all-rounder Andrew Locke, Lawrie Prittipaul's probable and regular availability, plus the possible return of former Hampshire star Jon Ayling gives a formidable look to Portsmouth, who already have Matthew Keech and Lee Savident in their ranks. Savident's task will be to blend the individuals into a successful team. Naqeeb Ali Mohammed should continue his advancement, while Pete Hayward, often a key but unsung contributor, will be another prime player.

Prospects: Could be among the challengers.

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SOUTH WILTS

Captain: Rob Wade. Overseas: Jimmy Seeary (Australia).

On paper, South Wilts are strong enough to launch a sustained challenge, but whether they can harness their undoubted potential and take life seriously is another matter. A top three of Paul Draper, Jason Laney and Russell Rowe is as good as it gets, plus there's a few in the middle order who can bat a bit as well, especially on the Bemerton shirtfronts. Paceman Jimmy Seeary, who played alongside Gloucestershire's South Wilts old boy Roger Sillence at South Melbourne, adds spark to the attack and will have a more than handy new ball partner when James Tomlinson is free from Cardiff university commitments. Surprisingly, Jon Nash has decided to enjoy a sabbatical, but South Wilts have enough talent to press for the honours ... provided they want it badly enough.