Dexter Basden, the Willow Cuts coach, has warned his side not to take challengers Warwick lightly in today’s opening round of the Western Counties at PHC Field.

As a Premier Division side and the cup holders, Cuts will go into the 50 overs match as the firm favourites against First Division opponents Warwick. But Basden isn’t taking any chances.

“Although we are in the Premier Division and they are in the First Division we are not going to take Warwick lightly because it always takes one or two guys to get going,” he said. “That’s just the game of cricket which is played on the field and not on paper.”

Cuts had not announced their squad at press time last night.

However, Basden suggested that the cup holders could go with one guest player with Chris Douglas, the St David’s and Bermuda all-rounder, among the candidates being considered.

“Obviously we can take two guest players but more than likely we will carry one and I think we are going with Chris Douglas,” Basden said. “We haven’t made too many changes from our league team and we are going with a youthful team mixed with some experience.”

Cuts’ team will also boast Dean Stephens, the all-rounder, who is making his first appearance in the competition for the West End side.

“This will be Dean’s first time with us because he wasn’t eligible last year,” Basden said. “Dean has been carrying us all season and I am actually counting on him to have a good all round performance.”

Basden also hadn’t ruled himself out.

“If we need some guidance on the field to retain the cup then I will play,” he said.

Cuts will be led by Dwight Basden, the captain, who is the first cousin of the coach.

Basden perhaps has every reason to be cautious as challengers Warwick have been bolstered by the return from injury of Lionel Cann, the player/coach, and guest players Stephen Bremar Jr and Jordan DeSilva, the Somerset Cup Match captain and national team player.

Cann, the former St David’s and Bermuda all-rounder, believes that his youthful squad is capable of upstaging the cup holders.

“We feel very confident that we can make a good account of ourselves by, not only showing up to play, but causing an upset if we play well,” Cann said.

“Obviously Willow Cuts are the favourites and people won’t be looking for much from my youngsters at Warwick. But I think we can cause an upset.”

Today marks the first time the competition has been held at PHC Field and the first Western Counties match held in the parish of Warwick since the event was staged at Warwick Park in the 1960s.

“This is something fresh for the game, a different ground, and we just hope we can retain the cup,” Basden said.

Cann added: “It’s a nice opportunity at a venue hosting its first Western Counties match. We are looking forward to a new beginning at PHC, and hopefully we can take the trophy.”