Willow Cuts captain Ras Solomon Burrows said his team were ready to go all the way in their Western Counties title defence.

Cuts start their campaign today against PHC at White Hill Field. Should they clear that obstacle, they have Somerset Bridge to contend with, while Warwick await in the final.

“I’m confident that we’re going to defend our cup,” Burrows told The Royal Gazette.

“We’ve been working hard preparing for the first round against PHC. The plan is to go all the way to the final and win it.”

Cuts have opted for Bermuda all-rounder Dominic Sabir and medium-pace bowler Kwasi James as guest players for the first round.

James, who played for Warwick two years ago, had to take up the second guest spot or otherwise be ineligible.

In the absence of veteran Janeiro Tucker, Sabir and Burrows, the outstanding players in the win over Southampton Rangers in the final last year, will carry most of the burden with the bat for Cuts.

Kevon Fubler was a key member of the team which won the title last August, but with only two guest players allowed, the Bermuda spinner has not been selected.

PHC have named four colts for the opening-round encounter. These include wicketkeeper Bryce Daniels, Jubar Corbin, Sage Carter and Quinaceo Hunt, who is better known on the island for his football prowess in goal for PHC Zebras.

Captain Davin Dill, vice-captain Charles Trott, Chris Douglas and Dionte Dowling are some of the players coach Cal Waldron will be counting on to drive the side past the Cuts hurdle.

Meanwhile, in 50-over Premier Division action scheduled tomorrow, Flatts, motivated by their first win of the season over Warwick, face Bailey’s Bay.

Champions St George’s clash with Warwick in the East, while on the opposite end of the island, Somerset take on Cleveland.

In the First Division 50 Overs, PHC go up against Bridge, Devonshire Rec square off with Western Stars, while Southampton Rangers play Cuts.