The Standard Bank Premiership starts on Saturday with an explosive fixture at Mullen-e-Cloie. The visitors are Cronkbourne, last season's title winners, who take on Peel and St John's who ended in the number two slot.

Many pundits believe the balance of power has now swung west with the arrival of Ollie Webster from Ramsey. He was named Best All-Rounder of 2013 after taking 33 wickets and scoring 750 runs as well as winning the trophy for Best Fielder.

The club has also been boosted by the return to fitness of Russell Miller. He missed most of last season through injury, but expects to play a full role this year.

Life could be very difficult for Cronkbourne in this game as several of their top stars will be missing. Likely to be absent are Max and Alex Stokoe, keeper Adam Killey and perhaps a couple more first team players.

The points system for the Premiership has changed this year with seven points going to the winning team. If the winners batted first and then dismissed their opponents, they will pick up an extra three points.

There are also bonus points to be earned for run totals of 125, 150, 175, 200 and 225. For the bowling side, a bonus point is earned for taking 2, 4, 6, 8 or all 10 wickets. More permutations are possible, so captains must be vigilant.

Other games in the Premiership this week-end include Ramsey against Crosby. The northern side have lost several players, including the influential Webster and strike bowler Chris McConnell who has been forced to retire through injury.

They now plan to rebuild by blooding younger players from their junior elevens. Marc Pons-Burt is back to help steady the team, but much will depend on the old firm of Eddie Cleator and Rob Webber.

If Crosby can field their full eleven, then the Marown side should record a victory.

There is an intriguing battle lined up in the south where Castletown face a rejuvenated Valkyres. Mark Williams is the new captain of the home club and his tactical ability could be key.

Gareth Morris arrives back after a year's sabbatical and Wicus Wessells, the Island's Player of the Year, will be a force. However his availability might be limited, which could be a big blow for the Town.

Tom Reader skippers Valkyres who now have Ryan Windell in their ranks full time together with Bruce Wagstaff from Union Mills. The Valkyres' batting has usually been strong, but the bowling has been a worry at times. Reader believes this will now change and promises the debut of a very good "mystery" leg spinner.