the Eastern Counties trophy for the first time since 1981.

The challengers have a variety of medium-pace and spin for today's second-round clash with St. David's at Lord's and captain Peter Philpott is confident of his team's chances of an upset.

Last year, Cleveland had St. David's in some trouble at 146 for six in reply to their 221 for five declared, but a dropped chance from Lionel Cann proved costly as he and Dean Pitcher put on 73 for the seventh wicket to help St.

David's to a three-wicket win.

"Our hope is to get them in the same position we had them last year when they were 146 for six and let them off when we dropped Lionel Cann early in his innings,'' said Philpott.

He realises that with the strength of the St. David's batting every chance given by their batsmen must be taken. St. David's have been unbeaten since winning the cup from Bailey's Bay in the 1987 final. The quality of their cricket since then suggests they do not intend to give up the prized trophy without a fight.

"Our main concern is that they have been the champions for a while mainly because of their long string of batting, so we are going to have to use some good strategy in order to get them out,'' the Cleveland captain said.

"Our batting is fine with players like Jermaine Postlethwaite, Allan Douglas, Aaron Adams and myself, so we are not concerned in this department.

"You can control the game with good bowling and fielding and we are going into the game with this intention.'' It is in the bowling department where Cleveland's main hopes of victory lie, though runs must also be scored to give the champions something to aim at.

In the past few years they have made some sporting declarations in their desperate bid to get in a winning position. The same can be expected today if they bat first.

"We have chosen a good team, the bowling is particularly well-balanced with some swing bowlers and spin. The spinners are Curtis Jackson, Johnny Richardson, Toby Trott and me, while the swing bowlers are Sharrieff, Andre Smith and Grant Smith,'' explained Philpott.

"Compared to last year our team has more variety and depth in the bowling department and our aim is two-fold -- to bowl tight and to field as good as possible. If we concentrate on these two then we should do well.

"Andre Smith, who last played in the counties two years ago, is back along with Toby Trott and they replace Corey Lowe and Carlton Smith who was a colt last year.'' Last year Grant Smith became the first Cleveland batsman to score a century in the competition, finishing unbeaten on 100 after an opening stand of 89 with Curtis Jackson.

St. David's have recalled opening batsman Wendell Smith, leaving captain James Pace to decide who to opening the batting with.

Smith looks the obvious choice for one spot, possibly with Allen Richardson, though Anthony Foggo and Shea Pitcher can also do the job as could Reginald Pitcher who have both done it this season for St. David's in the league.

The winners of today's match meet Bailey's Bay in the final on August 28.

St. David's are also one of the eight teams battling for semifinal places in the Knockout Cup tomorrow as league action takes another break.

St. David's travel to St. John's field to meet Eastern Counties rivals Flatts while Hamilton Parish are at home to 1990 winners Southampton Rangers at Wellington Oval.

In the other matches, Police take on St. George's at Police field while Devonshire Rec. entertain Somerset.

FLASHBACK -- Grant Smith is mobbed by fans last year after becoming the first Cleveland player to score a century in the Eastern Counties Cup.*l