onlookers in the camp of Western Counties Cup champions Southampton this morning when Clevie Wade attempts a fitness test.

Wade was hit on the left forearm in training this week by young pacer Garry Williams and suffered a hairline fracture that would normally put him on the sidelines.

But Quinton Burch and Ryan Belboda have work commitments, which leaves the bowling attack relative inexperienced with Williams and colt Dean Stevens expected to share the new ball at Southampton Oval (11 a.m. start).

Challengers Somerset Bridge have once again included guest players Jeff Richardson and Arnold Manders of Western Stars and Cup Match fame in their line-up.

As a colt in last year's final Richardson blasted his way to a record individual score of 186 as the two sides battled to a tame draw, but Bridge would merely be satisfied with any performance that guarantees them a win this time around.

Rangers head into the match harbouring memories of a seven-wicket hiding handed out against these same opponents last Sunday at White Hill field.

Bridge were dismissed for a mere 85 and Rangers cruised to an easy victory as Wade scored 36 not out.

Still, Southampton skipper Ricky Brangman was yesterday taking nothing for granted.

"I think we've got a team strong enough to retain the cup,'' said Brangman, moments after the team was announced. "We've got Garry Williams and young Dean Stevens who will probably take the new ball.

"Dean's been bowling pretty well, he was a member of the youth team that went to Denmark and has been taking wickets.

"One thing, if the team plays together there's no way we shouldn't come out victorious.'' Rangers' batting appears solid with the likes of Olin Jones, Keith Wainwright, Ricky and Michael Brangman as well as all-rounders Janeiro Tucker and Wade -- if fit.

With the strip expected to be good for batting, Bridge certainly have their task laid out.

A three pronged medium-pace attack containing Corvette Lambert, Brian Gibbons and Gary Crofton is set to greet the home bats, while for variety there are spinners Manders, David Jones and Sidney Simmons.

Captain Robin Swan figures that the key though lies in the batting and he has the men to do the job.

Tony Cheeseman and Alfred Carter are the normal opening batsmen, however, Bridge may want to shuffle the order, possibly to take advantage of the inexperience of youngsters Williams and Stevens.

"We have 10 bats,'' said Swan, likely to bat at number four depending on the game situation. "And with Arnold and Jeff coming in it is much stronger.

"We already feel capable of bowling out anybody on the Island.

"Rangers are a strong side and are not going to give up easily ... we'll have to take it. This would come from everybody giving 100 percent on the day.

"I'm looking at this being sweet revenge.'' Bridge last held the title of champions in 1991 after surprising Willow Cuts in the first round, but this success was short-lived with Rangers seizing the trophy during the second round, winning by five wickets.

The cup-holders have not been threatened since.

Teams Somerset Bridge: Robin Swan (captain), David Jones, Tony Cheeseman, Gary Crofton, Brian Gibbons, Sidney Simmons, Arnold Manders, Jeff Richardson, Alfred Carter, Gladwin Ingham, Corvett Lambert. Reserves: Craig Brangman, O'Neil Virgil, Charlie Brown.

Southampton: Ricky Brangman (captain), Olin Jones, Keith Wainwright, Michael Brangman, Stevie Lightbourne, Janeiro Tucker, Darren Burchall, Lyndon Raynor, Clevie Wade, Dean Stevens (colt), Garry Williams. Reserve: Kwame Tucker.

JEFF RICHARDSON -- Scored record 186 for Somerset Bridge last year.