Somerset Cup Match officials were last night denying that their plans for the annual classic were in disarray -- despite the fact that deposed skipper Dexter Basden and two of his Willow Cuts team-mates failed to show for a crucial trial match on Saturday.

But selection chairman Bernard Brangman admitted any further action by the players would suggest they were protesting about the decision to replace Basden as Cup Match skipper with Albert Steede.

As for Saturday's absence, he was prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt, claiming that Basden, his brother Richard and spinner Kevin Fubler could have had previous commitments because the game, between President and Vice President XIs, was arranged at a late stage.

"I don't know what is happening,'' he said. "It really could be because of the short notice we gave the players.

"All I can say is that we are having practice for the Cup Match players on Tuesday and Wednesday and we are expecting everybody who wants to play to report.

"If the Willow Cuts players don't show up then we will just have to assume that what they are doing is in protest.'' Batsman Dwight Basden was the only Willow Cuts player who appeared for the game.

"Richard and Kevin trained with us last Wednesday and I think were well aware of the Saturday game,'' added Brangman, "but maybe they told some other club committee member that they would not be available for Saturday -- who knows? "One thing for certain is that if any player wants to play in Cup Match, they must come training. But we certainly cannot make them train.

"Richard is in terrific form this season and we would really love to see him, in particular, make himself available. But eventually that choice is up to him.'' Dexter said last week that he didn't want to be involved in the Cup Match programme under the current selection committee. He was upset after the committee failed to officially inform him that he had been dumped.

However, Brangman insisted there was no atmosphere of panic at Somerset with under three weeks to go until the big match.

He claimed there were many talented players among their ranks who were fighting hard for the opportunity to play against St George's.

In the match itself, new skipper Albert Steede led the President's Select to a 13-run victory.

Steede was the best performer with the bat for his side, striking 76, while opening partner Curtis Jackson hit 61 in a total of 193. Del Hollis contributed 23 and Shaun Roberts 12.

Skipper Dwayne Leverock led the Vice President's XI in bowling with four for 44 off 15 overs.

They then replied with 180, Hasan Durham top scoring with 45 and adding 56 in a partnership for the seventh wicket with Leverock (42).

Opener Tony Cheeseman made a useful 33. Chris Bailey took three for 15 off four overs, Justin Robinson two for 22 off eight overs and Del Hollis two for 27 off 14 overs, including seven maidens.

Willow Cuts trio fail to show for Somerset trial