Dexter Basden will hope to increase his glee by steering Willow Cuts to victory over Southampton Rangers in today's Western Counties Cup final at White Hill field.

The consensus is that his chances are good, despite the dominance that the champions have shown in the two previous rounds with emphatic victories over both Warwick and PHC. Do Willow Cuts have the ability to halt Southampton in their tracks? Ask any Willow Cuts player and the response is ... of course.

"We are going into this game with a very positive attitude,'' said their long-time spinner and often match-winner, Kevin Fubler.

"While it could be a close game, we are certain that it won't be as easy for Southampton this time around. We certainly will not fall like their last two opponents, PHC and Warwick.'' Southampton have made an addition to the side that won the earlier rounds, bringing in medium pacer Quinton Burch in a bid to add more bite to their bowling attack.

But it remains to be seen just how much Burch will have to offer after missing much of the season. Additionally the champions will call on the services of guest players Clarkie Trott from Bailey's Bay and Dexter Smith of Devonshire Rec., both of whom played key roles in the demolishment of PHC in the previous round.

Trott spearheaded the demise of PHC with a haul of seven wickets for just 13 runs from 9.3 overs, including three maidens, while opening batsman Smith stroked 28 not out.

Teams Willow Cuts (from): Dexter Basden (capt), Richard Basden, Rodney Fubler, Kevin Fubler, Dwight Basden, Cordell Gilbert, Jermaine Warner, Charles Swan, Stephen Brown, Ossie Hinds, Anthony Roberts, Dwayne Basden, Gladwin Edness.

Southampton (from): Olin Jones (capt), Keith Wainwright, Gregory Sampson, Dexter Smith, Kwame Tucker, Carl Garzette, Darren Burchall, Quinton Sherlock, Dwayne Steede, Mike Brangman, Garry Williams, Quinton Burch.