And while they may see this as their best opportunity to reclaim the trophy since beating Cleveland in the 1980 final, they also recognise the magnitude of their task of beating St. David's in today's final at Sea Breeze Oval (10 a.m.).

Back then they were led to victory by guest players Clarence Parfitt and wicketkeeper Barry DeCouto, Parfitt taking four for 26 as Cleveland were dismissed for just 102. DeCouto scored 59 on his debut as Flatts not only won by eight wickets but also reached their target before 4.30.

What Flatts could certainly do with 18 years later is a bowler of the calibre of Parfitt as they come up against a St. David's batting line-up that contains the likes of Wendell Smith, Albert Steede, captain Graham Fox, Sammy Robinson, Allen Richardson, Shea Pitcher and Lionel Cann. That batting goes as deep as number 10 where even Del Hollis has scored 50s this season.

Flatts have named two colts in Hewvonnie Brown and Rahji Edness and, because of their success in the league this season where they gained promotion in both the Overs and Open competitions, have built the team around their league players. Gary Brangman of Western Stars is their only guest player and he will carry a heavy bowling responsibility.

"Where we needed the most help was with our bowling and that's why we turned to Gary Brangman who has served us well in the past,'' said Derek Hurdle, chairman of sports at Flatts.

The Flatts team has had an extra spring in their step this season since the arrival of Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock as captain and coach. As Rodney Woolridge's nephew, he is a part of an Eastern Counties family but up until this season has been included in the team as a guest player while playing with Police in the league.

Like Graham Fox of St. David's, Leverock will be making his debut as an Eastern Counties captain. He will also be relied on heavily in both the batting and bowling departments.

"The catalyst for our turnaround this year has been Dwayne as the player coach, he has made a big difference,'' acknowledged Hurdle.

While no one remains from the 1980 cup winning team -- last year's guest player Treaddy Gibbons was overlooked while Brandon Woolridge is reserve -- Flatts will still rely on the old guard like Troy Dean, Millard Bean, Rodney Woolridge and Derek Wright. "We have been down there with what looked like fairly good teams and have failed before, so we're just hoping this is the right combination,'' said Hurdle.

"We have had a very successful season, gaining promotion in both leagues and let's hope they can carry that harmony and enthusiasm forward.'' The two teams met in the quarter-finals of the Knockout Cup in June where St.

David's squeezed out a 10-run victory in the closest of the four ties. After draws in the first two rounds of the Eastern Counties this year, the competition could do with a result as close as that.

Teams St. David's: Graham Fox (capt), Sammy robinson, Albert Steede, Allen Richardson, Clay Smith, Wendell Smith, Shea Pitcher, O.J. Pitcher, Del Hollis, Lionel Cann, Herbie Bascome. 12th man -- Kameron Fox. Res: Landro Minors, Delbert Borden Jr, Fiqre Crockwell.

Flatts: Dwayne Leverock (capt), Troy Dean, Millard Bean, Andrew Richardson, Gershon Gibbons, Rodney Woolridge, Hewvonnie Brown (colt), Derek Wright, Gary Brangman, Rahji Edness (colt), Kevin Hurdle. Res: Troy Bean, Brandon Woolridge, Justin Paynter.

With the two leagues now determined, the focus tomorrow will switch to the two Knockout Cup semi-finals. Defending champions Bailey's Bay travel to Police field where they will meet St. David's for the second straight weekend while the St. George's-Police match at Sea Breeze Oval is also a repeat of last weekend's Overs match.

Both Bay and St. George's are expected to repeat their wins, setting up a meeting in the final on September 6.