Eastern Counties champions St. David's have made one change to their team for today's second round clash with Flatts, bringing in experienced fast bowler Herbie Bascome for youngster Angelo Cannonier as they try to end a sequence of draws in the competition.

And as veteran batsman Allen Richardson says, it is because Flatts won't be underestimated. Flatts, without a win in the Counties in almost two decades, are hungry for success. They almost achieved it last year when they restricted St. David's to 163-7 in reply to their own total of 221.

"Although people may think they are not that great a team, Flatts came closest to beating us last year,'' Richardson cautioned.

"I was a bit surprised they left out Millard Bean and Troy Dean but with Phillip Burgess and Gladwin Edness they have two explosive bats. I think they have the most balanced team (of the challengers).

"We definitely don't take Flatts lightly and that's why we brought in Herbie.

Plus, young Angelo hasn't been bowling very well of late and we're not in a habit of just giving places away.

"Hopefully this is a way of making him put some more effort into his game because he undoubtedly has the potential.'' St. David's are still looking for their first victory since winning the cup back from Bailey's Bay in the final of the 1997 series. Last year's three draws were match by another draw in this year's first round against Cleveland.

"We're not deliberately doing it,'' Richardson says of the draws. As champions, though, St. David's are extra cautious not to lose the cup.

"In the last game Peter Philpott had the ball jumping all over the place.

Our wicket hasn't been up to par lately and that's another reason why we just don't go blazing away.'' Flatts official Derek Hurdle described veteran all-rounder Brandon Woolridge as the stabiliser in his team, a tag that could easily fit Richardson, whose experience in the middle order has seen them through many difficult situations.

The St. David's youngsters are making steady progress, an indication of the strength of the club's youth programme. And with more experienced players like Richardson, captain Clay Smith, Albert Steede, Del Hollis and Bascome to guide them, they are coming into their own.

"Each week they are improving, but the only thing that lets them down is their experience and mental aspect of the game,'' said Richardson.

Flatts have three colts in their team, Quinn Outerbridge, Philip Burgess and Gladwin Edness of Willow Cuts, who joins his younger brother Rahji in the Eastern Counties.

In total, the challengers make four changes from last year's team with Brandon Woolridge recalled. Out are Bean, Dean, Rodney Woolridge and Hewvonnie Brown.

Rahji, a year after his debut, has been handed the responsibility of being Dwayne Leverock's vice captain in the absence of Millard Bean and Troy Dean.

Teams St. David's: Clay Smith (capt), Sammy Robinson, Albert Steede, Chris Foggo, Allen Richardson, Landro Minors, Lionel Cann, Del Hollis, Herbie Bascome, O.J.

Pitcher, Dale Fox. Res: Arthur Pitcher Jr, Angelo Cannonier, Rudell Pitcher.

Flatts: Dwayne Leverock (capt), Rahji Edness, Quinn Outerbridge (colt), Andrew Richardson, Phillip Burgess (colt), Gershon Gibbons, Gladwin Edness (colt), Gary Brangman, Derek Wright, Brandon Woolridge, Kevin Hurdle. Res: Millard Bean, Shaun Woolridge, Justin Paynter.

St. David's will not be allowing the playing of loud music at the ground during the duration of the match.