Today's opening round of the Eastern Counties cup competition at Sea Breeze Oval will go ahead as originally planned, Eastern Counties Cricket Association (ECCA) president Harold Millett confirmed last night.

The match involving cup holders St.David's and challengers Cleveland County had been in jeopardy of being called off after the former rescinded their ECCA membership and withdrew from the 105-year old competition in protest of the association's new policy to share proceeds from rented lots at matches between its affiliates.

Prior to the new ruling, proceeds from space rented out to spectators at Eastern Counties venues had been pocketed solely by the two host clubs St.David's and Bailey's Bay since 1985.

In a letter sent to ECCA president Millett, St.David's secretary Amne Foggo wrote: "In light of our discontent with the ECCA's recent proposal and the publication of same within today's (Thursday's) Royal Gazette newspaper, we rescind our membership to the ECCA and advise you of our withdrawal from the series.

"We have thought through this decision thoroughly. We were adamant that the current proposal was not satisfactory and gave you both verbal and written confirmation of the same.

"At the most recent meeting we reminded you of our discontent with the proposal, but the issue was not addressed; despite claims that there was harmony with regard to the issue, clearly there is not.

"We hope that, in the future, decisions of this magnitude will be negotiated fairly with all concerned parties. Best wishes for the 2009 Eastern County series."

It remained unclear on what grounds St.David's had their ECCA status reinstated or even if the controversial new policy will remain in place after coming in for fierce opposition.

It is also alleged that Cleveland County threatened to withdraw from this year's competition as well for unknown reasons during the well-attended meeting.

Shortly after last night's proceedings had ended, a relieved ECCA chief Millett told The Royal Gazette: "We have resolved our differences and the game is on for tomorrow."

However, he declined to respond to further questions under the advice of fellow ECCA executive Steven Douglas.

Earlier this week the former St.David's president and cricketer had claimed that the controversial new ECCA policy had been agreed to in principle by his association's stakeholders.

"Over the years the host clubs (St.David's and Bay) have handled these funds for the betterment of their organistion and so they didn't initially embrace this with open arms," he commented. "But I think they eventually saw the light and we are indeed pleased by all the parties who helped bring this matter to an amicable conclusion."

Also in attendance at last night's meeting was Minister of Works and Engineering, Derrick Burgess, who offered his advice to ECCA stakeholders but declined to comment afterwards.

"I don't speak to The Royal Gazette," he said, before driving off.

Bailey's Bay president Elton Caisey also declined to speak when approached by this newspaper.

"Have a nice weekend," was all he was prepared to say as he exited the clubhouse.

Meanwhile, St.David's and Cleveland have named one colt in their squad for today's match.

Making their debuts are Ankoma Cannonier of St.David's and Lavar Talbot of Cleveland who have also included left- arm spinner Hasan Durham in their team as a guest player.

Today's encounter is a repeat of last year's final that saw St.David's prevail by 57 runs in a low scoring affair at Lords.

Eastern County teams:

@$:St. David's ¿ D Borden, S Robinson, L Minors, D Hollis, C Douglas, L Cann, S Kelly, A Cannonier, G O'Brien Jr., C Foggo, F Crockwell.

Cleveland County ¿ T Tucker, D Musson Jr., S Douglas Jr., S Darrell, A Adams, J Simons, C Trott, L Talbot, P Stamp, C Richardson, H Durham.

n Premier and First Division cricket continues tomorrow with contenders looking to continue their surge towards the 50-overs titles.

Southampton Rangers will be aiming to put more pressure onto Premier leaders St. David's who are two points ahead but have played an extra game.

Rangers entertain Bailey's Bay at Sea Breeze Oval while St. David's will host champions Young Men's Social Club at Lord's.

In the other Premier matches, PHC host Cleveland County at White Hille Field and Somerset take on Police at Somerset Cricket Club.

In First Division action, Devonshire Rec. play Willow Cutts at Devonshire Rec. in a repeat of last week's ill-tempered match which was eventually abandoned.

Leg Trappers play Somerset Bridge at Police Field, Western Stars tackle St. George's at St. John's Field, while Flatts and Warwick do battle at Southampton Oval.

Police play Somerset at Police Field and Willow Cuts take on Western Stars in the Premier and First Division matches today.