One is the young lion, flowing with boundless energy and strength, eager for the day when he will be king.

The other is the aged warrior, battle worn yet possessing life and not quite ready to surrender the mantle.

While at contrasting stages of their careers, England-based cricketers Glenn Smith and Noel Gibbons returned to Bermuda on Sunday with the same goal in mind...to ensure Bailey's Bay's retention of the Eastern Counties Cup.

Indeed, with the addition of the pair, Bay appear fuelled and ready to go against first round opponents Flatts when the sides face off at Sea Breeze Oval on Saturday.

Smith has been in splendid form during his first season as a member of Northumberland League outfit Benwell, topping the batting averages with 87, while Gibbons has already surpassed the 800-run plateau in his first season at Buckhurst of the Essex Colour Assembly League.

Still, neither was taking it for granted that they would have a spot in Saturday's line-up, although it would seem a done deal.

"I hope to be playing, yes,'' said Smith, who arrived at the venue on Sunday to tumultuous screams and hugs normally reserved for pop stars. "I figured I would come back and play in the last county game before Cup Match and hopefully let everybody see what I can do.

"But cricket is a funny game, there are no guarantees and anything can happen, but once I get on it'll be something to watch.'' Having produced a record breaking 212 not out for Benwell just under two months ago and following that with a century and several more scores above 50, much will be expected of the 22-year-old left-hander.

Smith said that his game has been greatly improved by his status as a full-time cricketer and that he was now able to achieve his "full potential''.

"I've changed my game a lot, started to apply myself more and mix patience with aggression,'' he explained. "This is the best season I've had.

"The wickets in England are nice and true and it's much more competitive, with the bowling very tidy, whereas if a team scored 170 in limited overs that's often enough to win.

"It's helped a lot because we're playing three times a week and I'm constantly in form, like a continuation from game to game.'' Also aiding has been constant support from the other local players based in England, especially Gibbons who he said was always offering encouragement.

Meanwhile, Gibbons, long regarded as Bermuda's premier allrounder, was likewise seeking to play a positive role for Bay come Saturday in the competition.

The 40-year-old's name litters the Eastern Counties record books, possessing the most overall runs (1,628), highest individual score (183), most wickets (82), best fourth wicket partnership (238) with Roger Trott and best fifth wicket stand (123) with Pat Hall.

"I've been quite pleased with the way Bay have been playing since I've been abroad, (but) in county games the added experience is needed and I seem to rise for those occasions,'' said Gibbons, while watching Bay battle to a draw against Western Stars. "That's why I'm back.''