Cleveland captain Mackih McGowan has declared his team’s desire to win the Eastern Counties Cup outright against St David’s at Lord’s today.

Rain is forecast on the day, which works in Cleveland’s favour because their opponents need to win if they are to wrestle the cup away.

“We definitely want the game to be played because we've been putting in a lot of work this season for this cup,” McGowan told The Royal Gazette.

“It took us a long time to get the cup, so the plan is to keep it. We just have to play to the best of our ability to keep the cup.

“We also want to showcase our skills and show what Eastern Counties is all about. Game plans do change once you have the cup; it’s totally different from when you are trying to win it.

“When you have the cup, you have time and if you are challenging for the cup, you’re racing against time.

“Hopefully, the weather holds so that it’s an exciting game for the fans. My grandmother is also excited that we won the cup. I know that she’ll be following the action on the radio.”

St David’s captain OJ Pitcher expressed optimism about his team’s chances of getting their hands on a trophy they surrendered to Bailey’s Bay in 2022.

“We are just going out there to play positive cricket,” Pitcher said.

“Cricket is played on the field and with the all-round team that we have, we are confident that if we play to our potential the rest will fall into place.

“There is a lot of history behind the match. These are the two original teams that started Eastern Counties; Cleveland were known as Tucker’s Town back then.”

Cleveland have stuck with the bulk of the players who delivered victory against Bailey’s Bay on August 16. The only change in the playing XI sees Bermuda Under-19 captain Zeri Tomlinson come in for pace bowler Damali Bell.

McGowan stated that injury to Bell allowed them to strengthen their batting by bringing in Tomlinson.

“Zeri is a proven batsman so he adds a lot of strength to the team,” the Cleveland captain said.

“Unfortunately, Damali picked up a slight injury after a training session. He couldn't make himself available for this selection, but he’s replaced by a promising cricketer.

“With Damali out injured, it made the selection somewhat easier. Had he been available, it would have definitely had people talking.

“We have an experienced team and with Zeri coming in, he’s not a new face, either. He came through our youth ranks and he’s proven himself.

“St David’s have put out a good team, but I’m backing my team. No matter who we play, at the end of the day it’s cricket. We play to win.”

From the St David’s side that last took to the field in Eastern Counties against Bailey’s Bay two years ago, three changes have been effected. Overseas-based Chare Smith comes in for Seth Campbell, colt Nzari Paynter replaces Oronde Bascome and Marcus Scotland’s injury troubles have paved the way for Ricardo Brangman Jr to regain his spot as wicketkeeper.

“Marcus Scotland is out with a knee injury from Cup Match,” Pitcher said.

“Nzari Paynter brings that professionalism to our team. When we talk about his mannerism, his approach to the game is just top-notch.

“He’s a top-order batter, he opens the batting for St George’s and bowls off breaks as well. He’s been picking up some wickets and he’s a sharp fielder, so it’s nice to have him in the team.

“Chare Smith has been away in England and Australia playing cricket. He’s been developing his skills trying to take cricket to the next level.

“We’ve seen the progress with Chare. Just before he left for England he was playing for St David’s in the league. His all-round game has really developed and he’s turned into a complete cricketer.”

The St David’s captain, who made his county debut in 1998, is 34 runs away from reaching 1,000 runs in Eastern Counties. Last year, he was denied that opportunity to join the small elite number of players when Hurricane Ernesto led to the cancellation of his team’s second-round match against Bay.

Dion Stovell and Stephen Outerbridge reached the milestone when Bay faced Cleveland in the first round last year.

“It is great to be in this position where I can achieve a personal milestone,” the 42-year-old said.

“But my main focus is the team winning the match for our community. If I’m able to achieve that milestone, that would be an added bonus.”

Meanwhile, the top three teams in the Premier Division 50 Overs have a chance to win the title when league play draws to a close tomorrow.

St David’s, who face Warwick at Southampton Oval, need a win to guarantee league honours. In the event of St David’s being bested by Warwick, St George’s can be champions if they get the better of Somerset.

However, the West Enders can top the standings should the combined margins of victory over the East Enders and a St David’s defeat prove sufficient to overturn a 0.375 deficit on net run-rate.