strengthened their squad considerably by adding batsmen Clay Smith and Albert Steede, allrounder Lionel Cann and medium pace bowler Herbie Bascome for today's opening round at Sea Breeze Oval.

League captain Shea Pitcher has stepped down after suffering bruised ribs in a recent came and has handed over the leadership to Del Hollis for the match, but they remain a force by picking the guest players.

The inclusion of the four means that challengers Bailey's Bay, who themselves have been reinforced by adding Noel Gibbons to their ranks, will face a formidable challenge against the cup holders.

Gibbons is one Bay player who recognises the huge challenge ahead of the host, claiming that his players will have to produce their optimum efforts in order to advance to the next round.

"St. David's have named a good side. On paper they seem to be a force with the addition of Clay, Albert, Lionel and Herbie but we will be going into the game confident of winning,'' said Gibbons.

"I understand that Clay in particular has been having a phenomenal season and no doubt our bowlers will have to be sharp as ever to contain him and the other good batsmen in their line-up. Too bad we will be without Glenn Blakeney, who is one of the finest batsmen in the Island, but the rest of us will just have to carry the weight.'' Despite calls from a small group within the club to overlook Gibbons, the veteran cricketer was included in the Bailey's Bay team announced on Wednesday night.

Gibbons and guest player Dexter Basden are the only non-regular Bay league players chosen. Gibbons has spent most of the season traveling with a World Select to the Mid East and Africa while Basden captains his club team Willow Cuts.

Gibbons, who just returned back from England on Tuesday, was pleased at being selected but also hit out at his detractors.

"To the supposed supporters who were against me being chosen I say to heck with them, it's the club's decision and there are other things that they can do on Saturday if they don't want to come to Sea Breeze,'' he said.

After giving the club 33 good years, Gibbson said he deserved better treatment from fans. But despite their negativity, he feels that he is capable of playing at his usual high standard.

"The problem I have here in the Island is that too often we are writing off people when they still have the talent, there is too much stress put on age, regardless of one's ability. But I still feel that I was chosen by merit,'' said Gibbons.

"I'm excited about (today's) game. Bailey's Bay will definitely be going all out to regain the cup, in fact we are looking forward to going all the way to the final because we have a good all-round team.'' Meanwhile the best of Bermuda's youth cricketers will be highlighted tomorrow when St. George's meet Somerset in the annual colts Cup Match at Wellington Oval, starting at 11 a.m. Champions St. George's have named a formidable team for the occasion, a squad headed by captain, wicket-keeper and batsman, Jason Anderson and his vice-captain Kameron Fox. Also included in the squad are several players who were outstanding during the recent youth cricket season, including Ben Phipps, wicketkeeper Chris Foggo and Detroy Smith, who at 13 is one of the youngest players on the upcoming tour of Toronto.

EASTERN COUNTIES CUP TEAMS St. David's: Del Hollis (captain), Graham Fox (vice captain), Chris Foggo, Albert Steede, Clay Smith, Sammy Robinson, Allan Richardson, Lionel Cann, Rudell Pitcher, Kameron Fox, Herbie Bascome. O.J. Pitcher. Reserves: Shannon Raynor, Landro Minors, Delbie Borden Jr.

Bailey's Bay: Charlie Marshall (captain), Irving Romaine, Ricky Hill, Clarkie Trott, Noel Gibbons, Anthony Braithwaite, Irving Burgess, Dennis Pilgrim, Cal Dill, Steven Outerbridge, Dexter Basden. Reserves: Coleridge Durham, Allan Walker, Tariq Somner.