St.David's' skipper Clay Smith predicts his team will defeat Cleveland during the opening round of the Eastern Counties Cup at Sea Breeze Oval today.

Having led the Islanders to an emphatic five-wicket triumph over Western Stars in last weekend's Camel Cup final at Lord's, Smith says his trump cards today will be the trio of pace bowlers, led by guests Herbie Bascome and Gregg Foggo who team up with young prospect George O'Brien.

St. David's have also retained the services of top bat Albert Steede, but it's the bowlers, Smith insists, who will ultimately give his team the deciding edge.

"With these bowlers we feel that we have sufficient pace to bowl Cleveland out very cheaply and win the cup,'' said Smith.

"With Bascome and Foggo adding strength to our bowling, along with youngster O'Brien, we should be fine. I can assure you that we are going up there to Sea Breeze to win the cup. We are extremely confident because we are entering the game with good bowling and we want to entertain the crowd."

Cleveland, meanwhile, have made six changes to last year's team in a bid to end a 21-year drought.

Included are colts Jeffrey Tyrrell and Hari Rawat while Curtis Jackson makes a return to the Cleveland line-up.

Others coming in are Gregg Talbot, Courtney Trott and Anthony Bascome.

The two teams have yet to meet this season as their previous league fixture a few weeks ago was called off because another function had been arranged for the ground.

Today's match will mark the first time that the new 70-48 overs format will be in effect.

Meanwhile, at Southampton Oval, the Junior Western Counties series kicks off with current holders Southampton taking on challengers Warwick.

In tomorrow's Premier Division matches, St. George's will be out to avenge an earlier season loss to St.David's at Lord's in an all east end affair. The last time these two teams met at Wellington Oval there was no shortage of drama when the Islanders handed their neighbours a seven-wicket mauling - but not before Sinclair Gibbons and Phillip (Billy Joe) Pitcher had to be separated following an ugly brawl.

St.George's are coming off a 104-run win over Southampton.

League leaders Western Stars are at St. John's Field where they will attempt to overcome the disappointment of last weekend's defeat in the Camel Cup final and continue their quest for the league title.

But they will have to take care of an in-form Wendell White whose Somerset team have quietly climbed into third place.

Second-placed Southampton travel to Sea Breeze Oval where they meet Bailey's Bay, while Cleveland and Flatts will square off at Wellington Oval.

In the First Division, runaway leaders PHC take on an unpredictable Police unit at White Hill Field while Warwick will be looking to get things back on track against Somerset Bridge at Southampton Oval.

Willow Cuts host Social Club at Somerset Cricket Club.