BAT open their defence of the ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship against Liphook on Saturday - with fingers firmly crossed it won't be their swansong season.

The imminent closure of the nearby Millbrook factory plant and the social club facilities at Southern Gardens has left a major question mark hanging over the future of the three times Premier League champions.

But skipper Dave Banks just wants his players to put "the future to the back of their minds" and get on with the cricket ... at least for the next four months.

"There are quality people working hard behind the scenes with BAT's cricketing future a top priority and they'll be doing everything possible to make sure we're still around in 2007," he said.

"Now we've got a championship to defend and we're conscious that, since the Premier League was formed in 2000, no one's managed to win the league back to back.

"Obviously, that's our number one priority."

Predictably, there's been per-sonnel changes at BAT but Banks still reckons he'll be skippering a squad with every chance of retaining the title.

"The fact we lost five times in winning the SPL last season underlines that a lot of teams are capable of beating one another," he points out.

"I'm pretty sure it will be a pretty open league again with four or five sides fancying their chances."

So, who's going to challenge BAT?

Bashley look to have a well- balanced squad, while 2005 Cockspur Cup semi-finalists Havant - whom BAT visit in week two - have landed some big name signings.

But don't write off Bournemouth or Portsmouth - both sides with potential match-winners - while South Wilts can be a match for anyone when they hit form.

Play recommences at 1 o'clock on Saturday, with BAT opening their title defence against Liphook, Bashley facing the Hampshire Academy, and 2005 runners-up South Wilts at Bournemouth.

Newly-promoted Alton host Havant and Portsmouth take on Hursley at St Helen's, Southsea.