into battle today against champions Bailey's Bay in the first round of the Eastern Counties at Sea Breeze Oval (10 a.m.).

Woolridge, a prison officer, was unable to get time off so while he is at work, his team-mates - led by vice captain Derek Wright -- will make yet another attempt to win the coveted Eastern Counties trophy.

The last time they won it was 16 years ago when they beat Cleveland in the 1980 final by eight wickets, only to lose the cup to the same team in the first round of '81.

Included in the Flatts team as they bid to end that drought are three colts and four guest players as club players Gershon Gibbons, Kevin Hurdle and wicketkeeper Neil Speight make their debuts.

Again Flatts have exercised their right to pick guest players and have gone with Dwayne Leverock (Police), Vivian Simons (Willow Cuts), Treadwell Gibbons (Western Stars) and Gary Brangman (Western Stars).

Bay have named a strong squad with overseas-based Noel Gibbons, Jermaine Outerbridge and Glenn Smith included in the team which again looks solid in batting.

"I'm excited about being back, especially since I've been in good batting form of late and playingvery consistent,'' said Smith.

"I have scored two centuries in England, one against Bermuda when they toured. I'll be back home for the county game and the Cup Match trials and of course cup Match, which I hope to be involved in.

"I don't know where Ricky will bat me, hopefully though I will be able to open because that's where I have been batting in England. I have gotten to love the position.

One omission is top bowler Clarkie Trott but it is in the batting where Bay will have to be steady and on what has been a good batting strip this season, the Flatts task of bowling them out looks all the more difficult.

Bailey's Bay: Ricky Hill (capt), Roger Trott, Charlie Marshall, Glenn Smith, Corey Hill, Noel Gibbons, Jermaine Outerbridge, Irving Romaine, Cal Dill, Dennis Pilgrim, Anthony Braithwaite. Res: Steven Outerbridge, Coolridge Durham.

Flatts: Derek Wright (capt), Troy Dean, Aaron Woolridge, Gershon Gibbons (colt), Neil Speight (colt), Kevin Hurdle (colt), Dwayne Leverock, Vivian Simons, Treadwell Gibbons, Gary Brangman, Gordon Hollis. Res: Dale Benjamin, Joseph Furbert.

Overs competition continues tomorrow with leaders Western Stars travelling to Wellington Oval to meet St. George's in the top match.

Second placed Bailey's Bay should have their three England-based players in their lineup for the match at Police field while Cleveland take on Willow Cuts at Sea Breeze Oval.