Challengers Cleveland County will enter tomorrow's Eastern Counties final against cup holders St. David's at Lords with their confidence "sky high" having already beaten the champions twice this season.

Cleveland are fresh off an inspiring tour of England where they went unbeaten in three matches and they will now look to carry on their winning ways against the Islanders and finally put an end to one of the longest cup droughts in local sports history.

The Harris Bay club have not raised the Eastern Counties showpiece in nearly three decades. However, Cleveland coach Clay Smith, who represents St. David's in the competition, firmly believes his team can make the breakthrough this year.

"My boys are more than ready and I think this year what has helped us is that we have already beaten St. David's twice and on top of that have not lost in our last six games, so our confidence is sky high," Smith declared.

"This Cleveland team is more determined and focused than I have ever seen them."

It's highly likely Cleveland will again pin their hopes on seasoned batsmen Aaron Adams, Carlton (Pluke) Smith and Curtis Jackson and all-rounder Jason Simons, and with veteran left-arm spinner Hasan Durham and Social Club pair Jeff Tyrell and Damon Robaine among the guest players, coach Smith is hoping to enhance his team's chances of success.

Cleveland also have the likes of budding off-spinner Tamauri Tucker in their bowling arsenal.

Tucker is fresh off a tour of Canada with the senior national squad and he could form an integral part of the challengers' attack along with Durham or Tyrell should either player get the nod.

Robaine, who is now on the verge of a second Premier Division title with Social Club, could provide the challengers with more stability at the top of the order should the Cleveland selectors opt for a batsman rather than two bowlers.

In any case, Smith is confident his team will come out on top after all is said and done.

"This team has made the necessary sacrifices that champions make," he added.

"Now it is time for them to execute the plan and make the dream a reality by bringing the Eastern Counties trophy back home to Cleveland County.

"It has been a long wait, but I truly feel that the wait will be over. If we win the toss and get a go at them early while the ball is swinging all about, I really think we will cause them some big headaches."

Champions St. David's advanced to the final on the back of successive wins against Bailey's Bay (78 runs) and Flatts (eight-wickets).

It's anticipated the Islanders will only make one change to their squad, with fast bowler Stefan Kelly likely to come in for fellow quick bowler George O'Brien Jr who is carrying a niggling injury.

O'Brien only bowled five overs during Bermuda's recent tri-series against Canada and the West Indies in Toronto.