David's in tomorrow's Eastern Counties Cup opener against Bailey's Bay at Lord's.

But he is surprised that his opponents have decided to go into the game without the services of their guest players, namely Ricky Hill and Terry Burgess.

The east enders picked their team on Wednesday night, retaining Pitcher as skipper and Allen Richardson as vice captain and strengthening themselves by including guest players Wendell Smith, Albert Steede, James Pace and Del Hollis. The full team is as follows: Ken Pitcher, Allen Richardson, Wendell Smith, Albert Steede, James Pace, Lionel Cann, Herbie Bascome, Del Hollis, Dean Pitcher, Phillip Pitcher, Dale Fox. Reserves: Cecil Pitcher, Bruce Foggo, Sam Robinson, Rudy Smith.

"I'm pleased with the players we have come up with. We've got eight recognised batsmen plus the remaining three players who can come up with runs on any given day,''said Pitcher.

"Our bowling looks good also with five specialist bowlers and two more who are capable of doing something good. So it's a well balanced team,'' he added.

Taking a quick glance at his opponents though, Pitcher didn't seem nearly as bothered about them bringing Noel Gibbons as he was about Hill and Burgess being left out.

"I didn't expect them to leave out their guest players, but that's their choice. I know they will be gunning for us and I expect a good game from them regardless who they have chosen. But we have a lot of mature players who have plenty of experience and I think we are capable of handling anything they throw at us.'' While there are many who believe Chris Smith and his Bailey's Bay team will be their most formidable opponents in the competition this year, Pitcher disagrees. His choice is Flatts.

According to the St. David's skipper, ever since his team won the trophy back in 1987 it has been Flatts who have caused them more headaches than any of the other teams. "Historically we haven't had too much trouble with Bailey's Bay,'' he said.

Even still he reckons that he will not be taking victory for granted this time because Bailey's Bay have an "aggressive batting lineup.'' "Gibbons, Charlie Marshall and Glenn Smith can all put up quick runs, but I don't know what they have in bowling other than seamers like Anthony Braithwaite, Clarkie Trott and Gibbons,'' said Pitcher. "Marshall may do some bowling as well but I don't know what else they may have.'' He said that the recent victory St. David's had over Southampton in the Benson and Hedges final was a tremendous boost -- one that had team morale on a high going into tomorrow's clash.

KEN PITCHER -- Leads St. David's into battle against Bailey's Bay tomorrow.