Somerset captain Perry Maybury yesterday launched a verbal assault on rival skipper Graham Fox of St. George's on the eve of the 91st annual Cup Match classic.

Maybury, who will lead Somerset to St. George's tomorrow harbouring hopes of returning the trophy to the west end, openly questioned Fox's ability to guide the defending champions.

"I'm wondering at what stage of this game, when things get rough, does (vice-captain) Arnold (Manders) take over as captain,'' said Maybury. "Graham is probably feeling the pressure right now.

"Can you figure where they'll (St. George's supporters) hang this guy if he loses this cup? "I have 13 players up at Somerset that are all hyped and willing to follow me ... but who is going to be the real captain of the St. George's team?'' While both Maybury and Fox are in their seventh Cup Match, experience is certainly on the side of Maybury with this being his fourth as captain.

He began as a colt in 1984 under John Tucker, before taking over the captaincy three years later and held that position for three years before a knee injury pushed him to the sidelines ... until now.

Fox made his debut in 1986 but until now has not had to lead from the front.

Despite criticism for a line-up appearing heavy in batting and with just two specialist bowlers, Maybury was confident of a positive result.

Both he and newly appointed vice-captain Albert Steede noted the need for variety in attack as well as being able to get in as many overs as possible.

"A lot of people don't understand what we're doing (with the team selection),'' said Steede, who succeeds Dexter Basden as the second in command. "With the team we have we'll be able to get in twice the number of overs and with more overs there is a greater chance of getting them out.

"It's definitely a strong team with a solid batting line-up, but we do have good variety in our bowling.'' Meanwhile, Maybury is expected to open the bowling with Allan Brangman in an attack that also features colt Wayne Richardson. All-rounder Richard Basden will also be relied on to throw down a significant amount of overs and Olin Jones will be tuning up his off-spin for when he gets the call.

Still the skipper has been faced with personal criticism by supporters who claim he has not fully recovered from the aforementioned injury and is placing personal glory in front of the team.

Maybury bowled just six overs in the final trial last Saturday claiming one for 25, but showed no noticeable effects of being hurt.

"I'm running in the region of six to eight miles every two days, lifting weights when I don't run, as well as cricket practice,'' informed Maybury.

"If I'm not fit then there'll be nobody fit on that field.'' As for his colts -- Richardson, Brangman and wicket-keeper Anthony Manders -- Maybury emphasised their maturity and felt that they would not be unduly bothered by the magnitude of the occasion.

On the batting side it looks as if Ricky Hill and Jones will open the innings followed by Steede and Dexter Basden. With bats to number nine Somerset boast a fearsome unit, but it is in the bowling where the result lies.

"The party's up Somerset,'' responded Maybury when asked about his plans for Friday night. "There's no boat this year, but we will have a motorcade leaving St. George's and all the St. George's people are invited.'' FLASHBACK TO LAST YEAR -- With Wendell Smith (left) out of the way this year Somerset intend to put the pressure on new St. George's captain Graham Fox in this year's Cup Match.