With many people's favourites, United Services, having returned to the London Leagues courtesy of the Guildford merger, the race to the title of Hampshire One champions is as open as it has been for some time.

On finishing third last season, Guernsey claims the mantle of pre-season favourites and they open with a home clash with George Winch's Hamble on September 14.

The Riversiders, celebrating their tenth anniversary season with new facilities for their use at Satchell Lane in the shape of the Hamble Sports Centre, are confident of putting the disappointment of last season behind them, especially in the fitness stakes where they suffered desperately.

Eastleigh, promoted as runners-up in Hampshire Two last term, have a potentially tough encounter against promising Romsey, who are strengthening their squad ahead of the new season and may be in the shake-up for honours come April.

Another side that will be aiming for a huge improvement in their fortunes of 2001-2002 are Farnborough, who slipped out of the London Leagues at the first attempt with negative points and three cancelled fixtures due to lack of numbers.

Millbrook are their first opponents at the Lordshill Recreation Ground, so that will certainly not be an easy encounter as Mike Mulcahy and his men search to continue their good home record.

Paul Charlson and his Fareham Heathens team began last season well but dropped away alarmingly through injury and unavailability problems, so more commitment will be the key when they host New Milton & District in week one.

Heathens have unveiled prop Mark Steward as their new skipper for the season - Charlson having handed over the reins after three years in the post.

Hampshire Division Two is one short in numbers, as Nomads regain their status in the division above, so the nine-team division is also very open with Fordingbridge, Isle of Wight and Ventnor the likely front-runners.

Fawley, who have dropped two divisions in the last two seasons, are certain a spell in Hampshire Two will help their cause and they cross the Solent to Wootton on September 14. Fordingbridge return to the scene of one of their poorest showings last season, Fleet while Ventnor host Portcastrians.

Ellingham & Ringwood start their new life after promotion with a relative local derby at home to Dorset neighbours Lytchett Minster.

Division Three does not start until the end of September as just seven teams make up the table. Surprise package Paxton Pumas will be tested by relegated duo Kingsclere and Overton this time around.