Chare Smith has been named as captain of Warwick in tomorrow’s final of the Western Counties against holders Willow Cuts at Southampton Oval.

The Bermuda Under-19 all-rounder takes over from player-coach Lionel Cann who is still recovering from a recent illness which kept him out of Cup Match and ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Warwick’s club players have an average age of about 17, including 17-year-old Smith, but they do have two experienced guest players to call on with Jordan DeSilva of Somerset and Allan Douglas Jr, the Cleveland captain, named in the team.

Despite their inexperience, Cann expects his youngsters to give a good account of themselves against a Willow Cuts side that convincingly beat Somerset Bridge in the last round.

“I’m expecting to win, this is the third year [with this team] and I expect Jordon [DeSilva] and Allan [Douglas Jr] as Cup Match players and who play for Bermuda to lead,” Cann, who has named himself as reserve, said.

“The youngsters have had a good season, the captain Chare [Smith] was the bowler of the [ICC Americas Under-19 World Cup Qualifiers] tournament that just finished, so, he’s in fine form, and the bowling attack looks good.

“I’m expecting to put up a good game, it’s pretty even with the Willow Cuts team on the day, but I think we can win if we play to our potential.

“I’m a little disappointed [not to play] but I’m coach and reserve so I’m still involved. I’m happy just to have the youngsters show their potential.

“The main thing is that they show that with the work they have put in that they are benefiting, that their game is progressing.

“The main thing is to put up a good team, bowl well and do all the fundamentals right. I feel confident they can put up a good show and if Willow Cuts don’t come ready that we can give them a surprise.”