Somerset's selectors apparently feel that a similar team to the one that had to fight for its life in last year's failed attempt at wresting the cup, can totally reverse the trend this time around.

And it may well have been that if St. David's had not elected to tour during the holiday period and injury had not ruined Richard Basden's season, the West enders would be carrying the exact same squad into the first of the new millennium contest.

Instead Somerset were forced to do just a little tweaking, replacing off-spin with fast-medium pace, and swapping one allrounder for another.

Whatever it was Francis Richardson did to earn his first place in the annual classic did not occur during the final trial match, as he failed to take a wicket during his six overs. It would seem that Richardson benefited from the selectors' known intent to take three club players.

Still, Richardson, who comes in for the touring Del Hollis, seemed to many onlookers an unlikely pick, especially considering that he is not even among the top 30 in the bowling averages. But he does possess some pace and if the wicket used for Cup Match matches that played on during Saturday's trial he may well cause concern for the champions.

Meanwhile, Leon (Cubba) Place finally saw his dedication to the task pay off as he claimed the other colt spot. Place though will have some big shoes to fill as Richard Basden has been a fan favourite of Somerset from the time he made his debut.

While Place will not likely be expected to match Basden in terms of scoring runs and may bat a spot or two further down the order, he will be expected to take up any slack in the bowling department with his medium deliveries.

Saving his place with a well played half-century for the Vice-President's XI was opener Curtis Jackson. Jackson has endured a sub-par season playing for Premier League side Cleveland, but on Saturday displayed enough of the form that garnered him a spot in '99 to sway the selectors.

And with Keith Wainwright likewise showing good form at the top of the President's XI, Jackson could not have picked a better time to produce.

Kwame Tucker won the wicketkeeper job by default, as possible challengers Gladwin Edness and Cordell Gilbert both failed. Tucker also did himself a service in recording two stumpings, while showing no signs of the back problems that have dogged his season.

The only other bubble player might have been Irving Romaine, but the selectors showed faith in the Bailey's Bay batsman, probably because of his ability to score quickly and, with two days expected to yield two innings, Somerset need quick runs.

The side will be captained by Albert Steede, who declined to comment on the team selection, while president and chairman of selectors Colin Smith could not be contacted yesterday.

Overnight rain mixed with suspected sabotaging of the covers made for some adventuresome batting during the final trial on Saturday, as both teams suffered severe middle-order collapses and neither reached 200, something they might hope to inflict upon their opponents later this week.

The Vice-President's XI eventually won by nine runs, just as it appeared they would come up on the short end.

Behind Jackson's 57, Dexter Basden was the only other notable with 42, as they went from 102 without loss to 170 all out.

Dwayne Leverock was the chief destroyer, bagging three for 12, while Dennis Pilgrim likewise took three wickets, but was not eligible for selection as he was late in paying club dues.

Steede scored 32 before retiring, just as did Wainwright after tallying 55, but the middle order failed badly, with only Pilgrim (28) reaching double figures.

Star of the future Justin Robinson took three for 18 with his leg-breaks, while Corey Hill and Place notched two apiece.

Double trouble: Janeiro Tucker (left) and skipper Albert Steede will be key figures in Somerset's attempt to win back the cup.