Willow Cuts coach Dexter Basden has backed his side to bounce back from the heavy league defeat to Southampton Rangers when they face the same opponents in the Western Counties final round at White Hill Field today (11am).

Cuts bowlers and fielders were spectators for the better part of the Rangers innings last Sunday, as their opponents racked up a mammoth 557 in 47.5 overs. The batting was not convincing either, with Basden’s side bundled out for 45 in 12.4 overs, to lose by 512 runs.

“Good cricketers bounce back, so we’ll see how good we are,” Basden told The Royal Gazette.

“We took a heavy defeat on Sunday, but it’s never the same two days alike. Hopefully, we do much better on Saturday, if we come with our A-game and stay focused, that is what I am hoping for.”

Cuts will be boosted by the presence of guest players Dominic Sabir and Kwasi James, against a Rangers side missing some of the firepower from Sunday.

Allan Douglas Jr, who struck a career-best 218 and took four for 19, is ruled out by eligibility regulations. Onias Bascome scored 114, while Delray Rawlins contributed 27 and took four for four, but the two are also yet to qualify to represent Herbie Bascome’s side in the competition.

In June, Sabir blasted 150 against Cuts in a league match in what was the highest individual score at the time. The Bermuda all-rounder will have a lot of responsibility against Rangers.

“Dominic Sabir and Kwasi James are Cup Match players, so we expect a lot from them,” Basden said.

From the team which defeated Somerset Bridge in the third round a fortnight ago, Rangers have made two changes.

Oronde Bascome, who scored 53 against Warwick Workmen’s in the second round, is back as one of the two changes made by the champions. Quilanh Richardson, a young fast bowler, has been picked as a colt.

Swayne Campbell, who replaced Bascome, went on to pick up the MVP after recording figures of three for 34 and scoring an unbeaten 16, made way together with Donte Brangman.

Richardson was not required to bowl when Ranges defeated Cuts. His only notable contribution was an eight-ball 20 runs at No 9.

Meanwhile, Rangers, the top team in the Premier Division 50 overs, are on a bye when the action continues tomorrow.

Second-placed Warwick Workmen’s Club square off with Bailey’s Bay, Cuts are up against St David’s, while St George’s face Somerset.

In the First Division, Flatts take on Bridge, with Devonshire Rec and Cleveland County completing the set of fixtures.