team capable of relieving Bailey's Bay of the treasured Eastern Counties Cup tomorrow.

The inclusion of leading batsmen Albert Steede and Wendell Smith and spinner Del Hollis, said Cann, was just the tonic the Islanders needed to tilt the balance in their favour as they go in search of revenge after losing the trophy to their arch rivals two years ago.

Steede and Smith provide stability to what has been a suspect batting line-up, while Hollis' off breaks provide an alternative to the medium pace provided by Cann, Herbie Bascome and the speed of Dale Fox.

"I'm pretty confident in my team. It was more or less the team I had, a well balanced team with two of the best bats in Bermuda in Albert and Wendell,'' said Cann on Wednesday night, moments after the team was announced to the club membership.

Cann's comments regarding Steede that night were in stark contrast to those voiced a year ago when he and other team and club members balked at the inclusion of the Bermuda national team captain after Steede had earlier reneged on a commitment to act as the club's player/coach.

Players went so far as to threaten a boycott of the match if Steede was not removed from the squad, with Cann and then team-mate James Pace leading the dissenting pack.

However, the fiery all-rounder insisted there were no hard feelings.

"We never had differences, it was just out of principle. They (members) think he's been punished and now they welcome him,'' said Cann, adding that he would not hesitate to call on Steede or Smith for advice if the need arose.

"I'm sure they won't let me slide too far before they pull me aside and give me a bit of advice. Even though I'm skipper I will be open for advice.'' Cann made his county debut eight years ago as a precocious teenager, failing to score but returning to claim a vital two for 22 that helped the Islanders to a thrilling one-run triumph -- St. David's 150, Bailey's Bay 149. Tomorrow he will be making his debut as captain.

"It's been a learning experience, it's made me strong and I'm studying more books and getting knowledge,'' added Cann, noting his intention to take advantage of certain shortcomings at Bay.

"We know Bailey's Bay's weaknesses and we'll look to exploit them. Bay are a very good team with good batsmen and youngsters like Glenn (Smith) who I understand will be back, but we can exploit them.

"They do give chances and we'll have to take those half chances.'' Questioned over the batsman's paradise at Sea Breeze Oval which appears conducive to drawn results, Cann challenged the champions to prepare a wicket that might effect a more definitive result.

Much has been made of the wicket at Bailey's Bay, with Cleveland's Grant Smith criticising it before their match in the last round.

"I hope Bailey's Bay prepare a wicket for a result, otherwise it will be like watching the Test Match at the Oval last week and it could be a long day for St. David's. But if we take our chances we should be alright,'' said Cann, who is in favour of limited overs to increase the excitement level.