Flatts will start as underdogs in today's Eastern Counties Cup final against St. David's but their skipper Rahji Edness insists: "We are coming for business."

Edness' words will act as a morale-booster for Flatts as they go up against the might of the champions at Lords.

If Flatts are indeed coming for business few expect them to make much of a profit, but Edness is hopeful that they can compete better this time around after suffering a 166-run defeat against St. David's in last year's final.

"We want them to know that we are coming to win, we have to put the pressure on them, we definitely want to make a game of it," said Edness.

"They have a strong team but on the day who knows? We want to make a game of it. They have the big guns and they know that we haven't won in more than 30 years. They look at us as being minnows but who knows what will happen on the day."

Flatts obviously don't have fond memories of a year ago and they realise that their chances of winning will have lessened, now that St. David's have been reinforced by the return from senior national team duties of player-coach and skipper Lionel Cann and medium pace bowler Arthur Pitcher, combined with the presence once again of prolific run-producer Clay Smith. All three missed the previous round against Cleveland. Smith struck a century in the first round against Bailey's Bay.

However, Edness believes they have at least named a squad that will give the champions a run for their money, the inclusion of all-rounder Nakia Smith from Social Club, as well as medium pacer Ryan Belboda and spinner Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock, both from Southampton Rangers.

"We believe in the team we have chosen, we intend to put the pressure on them. We know the forecast is for rain but we hope to see few interruptions so that we can go ahead and do our jog, beat the champions and definitely give the fans some excitement."

One area Flatts will be looking on to improve is their batting, hoping to surpass the 161 scored a year ago with Edness being the only batsman offering serious resistance, top scoring with 45.

This time he will be counting on the likes of his vice-captain James Celestine, who has just come off tour with the senior national team, veteran Phillip Burgess and a few others to make decent contributions with the bat as well.

As confident as Edness may be, his team will still have their hands full against formidable opponents who have no real weaknesses, a St. David's team who despite being held to a tie against Cleveland in the previous round are sound favourites to retain the cup.