Champions St David’s made two changes to the team that drew with Bailey’s Bay in last year’s Eastern Counties final.

Captain OJ Pitcher, who missed last year’s two matches because of a leg injury from a bike accident, comes back to lead the team while Chris Douglas also returns for today’s clash. The pair replace Ankoma Cannonier and Oronde Bascome in a side that also contains St George’s league players Lionel Cann, Chris Foggo and Macai Simmons, who made his debut in last year’s second round victory over holders Cleveland.

Foggo was the hero in last year’s final after his two-hour innings of 38 rescued St David’s from early trouble at 23 for four after just 15 overs, chasing the Bay total of 188. Foggo has scored 685 runs in the Eastern Counties since making his debut in 1997, scoring six 50s, including a top score of 93 in 2001.

Foggo will again be the wicketkeeper as club player Ajuan Lamb cannot play for them as he has already played for Flatts in the competition.

This year marks 30 years since Cann’s debut in 1987 against Bailey’s Bay, his scores of nine and 36 last year taking his aggregate to 714 runs in 36 innings.

“I’m expecting a lot from Lionel in what will probably be his swansong series and we’re hoping he does well,” said George Cannonier, the St David’s coach.

“Chris Douglas is in brilliant form, looks so comfortable and I’m banking a lot on him. If he can follow up on his innings last weekend [114 v Cleveland] it would be great. He doesn’t fear any bowler.

“It’s a team that the islanders are happy with, we’re confident of retaining the trophy. It’s going to be a hard game but we’re hoping for a good, competitive game. Bailey’s Bay are going to be the biggest hurdle.

“Our bowlers are in good form this season, but the team is not as strong as our league team,” Cannonier admitted, referring to the likes of Lamb, Allan Douglas, Dion Stovell and Kevin Hurdle who cannot play for them in the counties.

George O’Brien, who captained the team in last year’s two county matches, is part of a bowling attack that also includes seamers Cejay Outerbridge, Justin Pitcher, Rudell Pitcher and spinner Delyone Borden.

OJ Pitcher had a bout of the flu a week ago but was determined not to miss this important match and has recovered in time.

“He was ill for our last league game but he’s ready and eager,” Cannonier said. “He hasn’t trained as much as he would have liked because of job commitments.”

Bailey’s Bay have named a strong team, with Derrick Brangman, the left-arm spinner and middle order batsman, named as the only colt in the two teams.

ST DAVID’S TEAM

OJ Pitcher (captain), George O’Brien (vice-captain), Delyone Borden, Shannon Rayner, Chris Douglas, Justin Pitcher, Cejay Outerbridge Rudell Pitcher, Lionel Cann, Chris Foggo, Macai Simmons. Twelfth man: Ankoma Cannonier. Reserves: Ricky Foggo, Kiage Wilson, Oni Smith.

n League cricket continues on Sunday with St David’s looking to move a step closer to a second straight title when they meet Somerset at Lord’s. Cleveland, bottom of the standings and still without a win, meet their Eastern Counties rivals, Bailey’s Bay, at Sea Breeze Oval while the other match sees Western Stars hosting Southampton Rangers at St John’s Field.

In the First Division, joint leaders St George’s will look to open a gap on PHC when they host Willow Cuts at Wellington Oval. Warwick play Devonshire Recreation Club at Southampton Oval while Somerset Bridge meet Flatts at White Hill Field. PHC have a bye.