second defence of the Western Counties Cup crown this weekend at White Hill Field.

After upsetting Willow Cuts and then having their second round fixture against Southampton Rangers decided in their favour by rain, Bridge captain Corvett Lambert yesterday said that his troops were ready to prove themselves worthy of the champion tag.

Fellow First Division club Warwick stand as the challengers this time around, and after beating them twice already this season, Bridge could be excused for holding expectations of yet another celebration come Sunday evening.

"Everything's coming along smoothly like we would expect and everyone is confident of a victory,'' said Lambert, who suffered through long, lean times at the White Hill club.

"(But) first of all our front order batsmen have got to make runs. I think that we have the bowling side to bowl them out, it's just that our batsmen must make runs.'' "Anything can happen on the day and I'm looking for Warwick to put up a strong challenge.

"We want it bad and are looking for better things to happen for the club, because we haven't done too well in the league and see this as the last chance for glory this season...we want to give our Somerset Bridge fans something to cheer about.'' With the match being of the two day/open format, the ability to bat for long periods at a time is of importance.

The inclusion of guest players Jeff Richardson and Arnold Manders, both of Premier Division side Western Stars and both capable match winners with the willow, have, in recent years, served to bolster that department. It would appear that as they go so do the fortunes of Bridge.

And Lambert was wary of placing too much dependence upon the pair, saying that he would like to have others feel confident in their own ability to contribute.

"I hope that our batsmen can feel secure enough to bat like Arnold and Jeff, because those two have pulled us out of the hole a lot,'' continued Lambert.

First round colt and middle order batsman Jamie Cann looks likely to return after missing the second round against Rangers, while the others that will likely be looked to for runs include O'Neil Virgil, David Jones as the other specialist batsmen. Allrounder Perry Maybury could also prove useful, along with the always game Brian Gibbons.

On the bowling side Bridge are heavy with medium pace and spin, with Maybury, Gibbons, Francis Richardson, Lambert and even Cann there to provide the former, while Manders and Jones carry the slow bowling chores.

Lambert emphasised that he was looking for both sides to provide an entertaining display over the two day period for the good of the county.

Bridge will make their final team selection tonight.