January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Cann: We're coming for Rangers' crown
The 50-over Premier League season kicks off this weekend and while Rangers are aiming for the three-peat, a host of clubs are lining up to knock them off their perch.
And St. David's, with Cann back at the helm and OJ Pitcher and Delyone Borden, available for the full season, look to be the likeliest challengers.
Social Club, with Kevin Hurdle leading the bowling attack and Glenn Blakeney coming out of retirement to bolster the batting, are genuine contenders.
Cann reckons it will be one of the most open season in recent memory.
"When I was at Rangers I expected us to win everything because we had all the best players.
"They are still the favourites because they have the experience but they are not as strong as they were. Things have evened out and some of the other clubs have got stronger.
"I think we have a good chance. We have the most talented team in the league," said the big-hitting all-rounder, who left Rangers in the off-season to become player/coach at his home club.
"Most of our players are aged 16-28. We've got eight guys in the national set-up and they're learning every day.
"I've got 20-30 really good players to pick from and the commitment they have shown in training has been great. It's a good job I'm coach because I'm not sure I would make the team otherwise."
He said his side would look to be one of the fittest in the league and were honing their sharpness in the field to give them the edge against older teams like Rangers.
"I played with Rangers for the last two years. They have got big-game players that have been there before but they really haven't had any competition the last two seasons. This year it's evened out.
"You've got Glenn (Blakeney) and Hurdle (Kevin) back for Social Club, Somerset's picked up a few players, with me joining St David's and Delyone and OJ available for the season. I think it's going to be a very open race. It's about who has consistency and I'm looking forward to St David's showing some consistency this season."
Social Club player/coach Charlie Marshall agreed that there would be a few teams in contention this season.
"I think it's going to be a tough season. All the World Cup players are back and its going to be very competitive. Every team on the island has strength and experience."
St.George's boss George Cannonier believes his side, promoted last season and bolstered by the addition of Ryan Steede - their new captain, have an outside chance of the Championship.
But he is tipping east end rival St David's to be the team to beat.
"I don't think Rangers will dominate, not at all, St David's maybe, they look pretty strong."
The x-factor for the new season is the inclusion of the under-19s in the first round of fixtures.
Arnold Manders has a squad packed with talent at his disposal with Malachi Jones, Rodney Trott. Jordan De Silva and a host of others aiming to upset the senior players.
" I would say we'll probably be the best prepared team. We've been training since January," said Manders.
He added that his team might shake-up a few of the top teams.
"We've got a very strong squad. I wouldn't say we'd get shock results because I don't think it would be a shock (if they beat some of the teams). Other people might be shocked, but not me."[[In-content Ad]]
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