Champions Somerset Bridge have made two changes for the defence of the Western Counties Cup against Willow Cuts in the two day final at White Hill field today and tomorrow.

While they were forced to find a replacement for all-rounder Gladwin Ingham, who is unavailable because of work commitments, the decision to drop spinner Sidney Simmons was designed to boltster their bowling attack.

Simmons was one of the few disappointments in the team's stunning one-wicket victory over Southampton Rangers in the semifinal two weeks ago at Southampton Oval. He not only failed to take a single wicket during a spell of three overs but also had the misfortune of being bowled for a duck.

Coming in to fill one of the two spots is former skipper and fast bowler Francis Richardson who will no doubt be a welcome addition to the bowling attack.

The other addition sees the return of opening batsman O'Neil Virgil.

The decision to replace Simmons was a progressive one, proving that the champions were not taking anything for granted and were still willing to improve a winning team.

Vice captain David Jones said last night: "The skipper thought that the fellows who have been brought in were more valuable over two days than those that were dropped might be. We had to bring in another bowler and we thought that Francis Richardson could do a decent job for us.'' Jones indicated that there remained extreme confidence in the Bridge's camp which will once again be reinforced by the addition of the two Western Stars players, Arnold Manders and Jeff Richardson, who scored 66 and 63 respectively in the last round.

According to the vice captain the champions did not have real concern about their opponents going into the game and reckoned that he felt that Somerset Bridge would be victorious. "I think we can beat them over two days without any real problem,'' he said.

Jones seemed particularly encouraged by the team's bowling prospects with the pace of Richardson being added. "It's mostly Gary Crofton, Brian Gibbons, Arnold Manders, Richardson and Corvette Lambert that we're looking to carry us through in the bowling department.'' he said.

"It's definitely a good all-round team to hold on to the cup,'' he explained.

"If everybody gives 100 percent I think we can hold on to the Cup.'' Willow Cuts, who have named a squad of 13 for the game without picking a starting XI, are welcoming the decision by their opponents to take bold moves to ensure that Manders and Richardson remain in Bermuda for the contest rather to stick with their original plans of traveling to New York with Western Stars.

Skipper Dexter Basden said that he not only wanted to win the game but beat the cup holders while they were at their strongest.

"It's good news that Manders and Richardson are playing, they are two great players and should help to make it a great match-up. The thought of beating them with two quality players added to their line-up is something we look forward to,'' said Basden.

Basden, who has captained the team for six years, does not recall ever meeting Somerset Bridge in the two-day final but is prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.

He witnessed the previous round and was impressed by the fight and sheer determination in the hearts of Somerset Bridge's players that enabled them to pull out victory against heavily-favoured Southampton Rangers.

"Somerset Bridge have some diehard players with lots of guts and that was evident against Southampton Rangers. The two teams provided the fans with some interesting cricket in the previous round, it's too bad that there was not more there to see it.

"Willow Cuts are going all out for a victory in this final, there is no two ways about it. If the result is a draw then it will be one that is created by them because we are pressing for a clear-cut victory.

"We are a team with lots of potential, our spirits are high and all I can ask for is the public come out and see what I know will be a great game of cricket.'' Somerset Bridge: Robin Swan (captain), David Jones (vice captain), O'Neil Virgil, Arnold Manders, Jeff Richardson, Alfred Carter, Francis Richardson, Brian Gibbons, Tony Cheeseman, Gary Crofton, Corvet Lambert. Reserves: Kenny Simmons, Sidney Simmons, Stanley Simmons. Willow Cuts: Dexter Basden (captain), Richard Basden (vice captain), Rodney Fubler, Anthony Fubler, Kevin Fubler, Gladwin Edness, Trevor Dickinson, Dwayne Basden, Andre Hendrickson, Vance Gilbert, Joseph Matthews, Vivian Simons, Reggie Tucker.

BRIMMING WITH CONFIDENCE -- Somerset Bridge are getting the boost they expected from Western Stars players Arnold Manders, above, and Jeff Richardson.