Clay Smith, the Cleveland County coach, has taken his team’s fringe players to task over their lack of commitment towards Saturday’s Eastern Counties first round match with champions St David’s at Sea Breeze Oval.

The challenger’s preparations have been hindered by the absence in training by a number of players who should be pushing for a start, something which has not gone down well with Smith, the former St George’s and Bermuda batsman.

“Preparations have not been as good as I would have liked, especially since the club has gone out of the way to secure St George’s wicket to bat on in training and Bailey’s Bay for fielding practice,” Smith lamented.

“The core players have been totally committed but it is the fringe players who have been among the missing and when you are trying to beat a team like St David’s you need total focus and total commitment.”

It is anticipated that the challengers will make as many as three changes to their squad from the one that lost by 49 runs against then cup holders Bailey’s Bay in the first round at Lord’s last season.

Treadwell Gibbons Jr and Jason Anderson are now eligible to play in the competition and are among those fighting for a place in Cleveland’s team.

Others seeking to make the cut include Dion Stovell, the Southampton Rangers and Bermuda all-rounder, Mishael Paynter, the St George’s batsman, and Hasan Durham, the left-arm spinner.

Cleveland stalwarts Aaron Adams and Peter Philpott are also in the mix.

St David’s, who are coached by Smith’s elder brother, Wendell, have beaten Cleveland twice already this season in the Logic Premier Division and Belco Cup.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back from losing their last games in the league.

Cleveland suffered a 50-run loss to St George’s at Wellington Oval on July 6 while St David’s, the reigning league champions, lost by six runs away to Somerset last weekend.

The Islanders’ shock defeat against Somerset has exposed a chink in their armour which Smith hopes his players can exploit.

“St David’s loss did not surprise me because I have been telling my brother Wendell all along when someone scores 200 against them we will see how they respond, and they cracked under the pressure,” Smith said.

“Obviously they will be looking to bounce back strong. But if our players play to their true potential it will be game on come Saturday.”

Cleveland and St David’s meet each other again in the league on Sunday on Lord’s. It will be the second league game between the two sides this season.