The Cayman Islands cricket season commences in the next weekend, bolstered by access to two grounds with turf pitches.

Division One will feature five clubs during the 2001 season - By Rite Sports Club, Prison Sports Club, Police Sports Club, Environmental All Stars and Greenies.

By Rite begin as the favourites to retain the League. Led again by the Wight brothers, Michael, Chris, David and Phillip, with youngsters Joseph Kirkconnell, Jalon Linton and Daniel Morris, By Rite is looking to add more hardware to the shelves by season end.

Prison has regrouped and would be challenging for the top spot. New captain Patrick Barrett and stalwarts Larry Cunningham, Steve Gordon, Gary Tulloch, Oscar Owen and Antonio Chase plan to give much excitement this year.

Police also has a new captain in Alvan Babb. Top players are Ryan Bovell, Charles Greaves, Charles Best and Pearson Best.

Environmental All Stars is the dark horse in the race. Experienced captain Gedion Simms has indicated he has some surprises for us. Sydney Moore and Clevon Sailsman are his main players but others are known to come good when it matters.

Greenies, led by Steven Roy with David McGrath, Werren Keens and Eddy Solomon, would give the big guns a run for the money.

The Second Division will comprise 10 clubs - Deloitte & Touche International, Greenies, West Bay, Health Services, Cayman Brac, Schools, Crewe Road Esso, Fabian Auto, Paramount Carpets and Cable & Wireless.

This is the recreational division that allows many of our former stars to enjoy a good evening doing the thing they love best.

At the same time the grooming of the youngsters is encouraged in a caring atmosphere. The schools team comprises of youngsters under the age of 19 playing in their third season with the seniors.

Deloitte & Touche International, with many experienced players, will be hard pushed by the others.

This season has all the makings of another exciting one in the Cayman Islands. It starts with the customary President's versus the Secretary's match next weekend. However, the real battle is set for March 3rd.

In other important events - March: Cayman Islands Masters to Jamaica April: Cayman Islands Masters to Canada June: Cayman Islands Ladies' Windball team to Trinidad July: Cayman Islands national team tours Jamaica; Bermuda U15s & Clico Preysal U/15s visit August: Cayman Islands Under 19s compete in ICC Americas titles in Bermuda October: Cayman Islands national team competes in West Indies Red Stripe Bowl; Cayman Islands under 13s to Orlando

The Bahamas have also indicated their willingness to visit the Cayman Islands.

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