Cup opener shows champions St. David's lack nothing in confidence as they prepare to take on challengers Cleveland at Lord's.

The Islanders believe that what Oliver (OJ) Pitcher, Chris Foggo and colts Landro Minors and Angelo Cannonier may lack in seniority they make up for with an abundance of talent.

"We are all excited and we're looking forward to helping our club retain the trophy,'' said Pitcher, who will also be skippering St. George's in tomorrow's Colts Cup Match.

Allrounder Pitcher will not only bat early but will be called on to bowl as well while Foggo and Minors will be expected to chip in as middle order bats.

Cannonier will likely share the new ball with Dale Fox.

Other than the selection of the four youngsters, there are no real surprises in the St. David's line-up with the team's strength built around skipper Clay Smith, who scored a century against Cleveland last year, and guest player Albert Steede.

Cleveland will be desperate to get their revenge after last year's uninspiring draw that resulted when the champions opted to play safe by accepting an offer of bad light from the umpires with three overs remaining and just five runs needed for victory.

Aaron Adams will lead the side while their guest players are Hasan Durham and Jermaine Postlethwaite from Western Stars.

Last year's second round scores between the two teams: Cleveland 208 (50.4 overs, Peter Philpott 70, Jason Simons 57); St. David's 204-7 (Clay Smith 115 not out, Sammy Robinson 36).

Today's teams: St. David's: Clay Smith (captain), Sammy Robinson (vice captain), Albert Steede, Chris Foggo, Allan Richardson, O.J.Pitcher, Lionel Cann, Landro Minors (colt), Angelo Cannonier (colt), Del Hollis, Dale Fox. 12th man: Shea Pitcher.

Reserves: Delyone Bordon, Arthur Pitcher Jr.

Cleveland: Aaron Adams (captain), Curtis Jackson (vice captain), Carlton Smith, Peter Philpott, Johnny Richardson, Toby Trott, Allan Douglas, Merkell Smith (colt), Jermaine Postlethwaite, Hasan Durham, Jason Simons. Reserves: Carlos Smith, Jeremy Fray, Damon Rabain.

Tomorrow has been set aside for the youth of Bermuda when young prospects will be given their chance to shine in the Colts Cup Match at Somerset (11.00 a.m.) between the hosts and challengers Somerset and champions St. George's.

No Premier League matches are scheduled.

The occasion will mark the first time that a St. David's player will have captained the St. George's team with that honour being bestowed on Oliver Pitcher Jr.

While St. George's coach Wendell Smith is looking for a competitive match, he places more emphasis on the public coming out to support the youngsters.

St. George's are favoured with their strength lying in the presence of as many as six players who have not only gained experience playing in the Premier League this season, but who have also been involved in the Bermuda under-17 national squad who toured Canada last summer.

"We have a good team with its real strength being that it is balanced. The batting is sound with skipper O.J. Pitcher and Chris Foggo, two of the most promising bats in the Island along with Landro Minors. And then there is Travis Smith's off spin and Furque Crockwell's leg spin,'' said coach Smith.

"And we also have two players who have opened the bowling for Premier League sides, Angelo Cannonier who opens for St. David's and Mackie Crane who has been used as an opening bowler for St. George's.'' Teams: St. George's: Oliver Pitcher Jr. (captain), Chris Foggo, Travis Smith, Landro Minors, Mackie Crane, Angelo Cannonier, Detroy Smith, Delvon Borden, George OBrien, Furque Crockweell, Jocal Burgess. Res: Brian Phipps, Allan Douglas, Orande Bascome.

Somerset: Michael Donawa, Shawn Wade, Nadir Wade, Nasir Wade, Jacoby Robinson, Treadwell Gibbons, Shane Hollis, Kareem Hollis, Jekon Edness, Linje Woods, Bergon Spencer.