Bashley launch their ECB Southern Electric Premier League title bid tomorrow with arguably their best balanced side for years.

But their long term championship credentials are set to get a searching examination from a strong looking Hampshire Academy line up in a 50-over affair at the BCG (1pm).

Bashley, who parade three new faces in their side, will want to rid themselves of the memory of a double defeat by the Young Hawks last season.

"They beat us by three wickets and 22 runs," recalls Andy Sexton, who captains Bashley for the first time tomorrow.

On paper, Bashley ought to be among the challengers this summer.

"We've finished fifth for three seasons in a row but, with the side we've got this season, we will be looking to improve on that," he added.

Promising Western Australi-an Grade all-rounder Drew Porter, who marked his Bashley debut with a century against New Milton last weekend, makes his Bashley debut.

"Drew's a top four batter and medium-pace bowler, so he'll give us an enormous boost as an all-rounder," Sexton said.

Fellow debutants are West of England Under-15 all-rounder Chris Jones, who has joined from Poole, and former Hampshire Under-17 skipper Paul Cass, who was with Calmore Sports last season.

Sexton will take his place at the top of a potentially strong batting line up and also plenty of bowling options.

"I've got six seamers and two decent spinners," he smiled.

Sexton knows taking the Academy on first up will be a stern test.

"They'll be well prepared and, with four young professionals in their side, are going to test us down to the wire," he forecast.

Former Hampshire opener Tony Middleton captains the Young Hawks, who include young pros Chris Benham, Kevin Latouf, Mitchell Stokes and David Griffiths, who is back in action after back surgery.

BAT Sports open their title defence against Liphook & Ripsley at Southern Gardens - the visitors waiting on the availability of Middlesex all-rounder Chris Wright.

The champions have lost Richard Kenway and Damian Shirazi from last season's triumphant side but have added Lee Savident, the ex-Pompey skipper, to their ranks.

Hampshire's Greg Lamb is included in a squad of 12 BAT players.

Hursley Park will be eager to reverse last weekend's 40-run Cockspur Cup defeat when they visit Portsmouth's Southsea seafront headquarters.

Newly-promoted Alton are without broken leg victim Michael Heffernan for their Premier 1 debut against much changed Havant at the Jubilee Ground.

But Heffernan had the plaster removed from his leg last week and hopes to start rehabilitation shortly.

North Sydney Grade opener Jake Andrews makes his debut and will line up against Havant's free-scoring Aussie Cameron Merchant, a left-hander from Manley Warringah's Pennant winning side.

Richard Hindley gives an early season opportunity to the Walker brothers, late of BAT Sports, but is without Paul Gover, Richard Pineo and former Shropshire Minor Counties opener Steve Dean.

Dorset skipper Darren Cowley will captain Bournemouth this season and takes charge of a "freshened up" side against South Wilts at Chapel Gate.

Bournemouth are eager to give their young players their spurs and include three teenagers tomorrow.

Simon Ridley and 16-year old Ed Denham will share the pace bowling duties with Matt Metcalf, while Liam Aslett - son of Derek Aslett, the former Kent batsman - will slot into a top- five role.

New to Bournemouth's ranks is Craig De'Weymarn, who has joined from top Birmingham & District Premier League side, Wellington.

Former Wilt-shire all-rounder Paul Draper returns to the South Wilts ranks after a two-year absence, while Hamp-shire left-armer James Tomlin-son is named in the visitors' 12-man squad.