St David’s coach Ricky Brangman has allayed fears over the fitness of star players OJ Pitcher and Isaiah O’Brien in the lead-up to next weekend’s Eastern Counties final showdown against holders Bailey’s Bay.

Pitcher retired hurt while O’Brien also experienced discomfort during St David’s 163-run loss against East End rivals St George’s in the Premier Division 50 overs at Lord’s last Sunday.

However, Brangman confirmed that both players suffered cramp and are expected to be included in St David’s squad for the much anticipated clash against Bay at Lord’s on August 29.

“OJ and Isaiah are all right. I thought they must have pulled up or something, but they said they were getting a lot of cramp, and I guess it was too hot for them,” Brangman told The Royal Gazette.

“They went swimming the next day and got rubbed down and stuff. They said they feel good and both looked good running around in training on Tuesday night.”

The two all-rounders are expected to play key roles as the islanders attempt to regain the cup.

Pitcher has added incentive as he is 33 runs shy of joining an exclusive group of players to have achieved 1,000 runs in the competition.

Brangman said the team’s preparations for the upcoming showdown with Bay have been coming along nicely, with morale in the camp high.

“The guys are good and excited for Eastern Counties because they look forward to playing,” he said.

“The vibe at the club is really good. We had our fans sitting there watching us train on Tuesday night, so everybody is just up for the game.

“We had a President’s XI play the Vice-President’s XI and a lot of St David’s people were there watching and offering opinions about their team — and I like that. It’s very interesting.”

One player Brangman won’t have for the upcoming big clash with Bay is son and team league captain Derrick, who plays for the holders in the competition.

As per county rules, the star left-arm spinner is locked in to play for Bay but will not play against his club team in the final.

“He won’t be playing Eastern Counties, which is definitely a plus for us,” St David’s coach Brangman said.

Brangman’s son was instrumental in helping Bay reclaim the cup from previous holders Cleveland County in the first round, claiming five for 56 to earn the man-of-the-match award.

He was also chosen as man-of-the-match in Bay’s draw against Flatts Victoria in the second round at Lord’s last Saturday, after stroking 47 and claiming one for 17 in a rain- affected contest.