The Junior Eastern Counties will have full representation with the return of Bailey’s Bay and Flatts for this year’s competition.

The two clubs were unable to field teams last year, leaving fellow rivals St David’s and Cleveland to face off against each other in a three-match series, which the former won 2-1.

However, they are now poised to rejoin the fold in a revised Junior Eastern Counties competition that has been split into under-18 and under-13 divisions. St David’s and Cleveland have been pitted together in the under-18 age group and Bay and Flatts in the under-13.

This year’s competition, which could involve teams in both age groups playing each other as many as four times in 40-overs contests, starts today with St David’s and Cleveland doing battle at Lord’s.

Isaiah O’Brien, the St David’s captain, is confident he and his team-mates can rise to the occasion as they seek to continue their dominance in the competition.

“Our team are very excited, not just to play cricket, but also to keep the cup in St David's for the community,” the promising all-rounder told The Royal Gazette.

“It's not just for us. We always play for our community and I am pretty confident we can get the job done.”

Challengers Cleveland are also up for the match.

“We are looking forward to the challenge against St David’s but the main thing I am looking for is the players to continue their development and get better,” coach Courtney Trott said.

“It’s a young team and a lot of the players are playing in their first Junior Counties, so I am looking for my experienced players to help guide them.”

Action at Lord’s starts at 11am.