Clevie Wade, the Cleveland County coach, is adamant his team can dethrone champions Bailey’s Bay in the opening round of the Eastern Counties series at Lord’s today.

Wade says his team have put in the work in training, are highly motivated and believes the pressure is more on the holders to retain the coveted trophy.

“Cleveland strive for Eastern Counties and this is one cup they eat, sleep and drink, so they are hungry and ready to go,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“We are pretty confident. We have had some good sessions and a couple of nice talks, and the players are motivated as far as the confidence and all that.

“It's just about executing on the day and getting the job done. We have to stick to our game plan and do everything it takes to win as far as the batting, bowling and fielding.

“It's going to be a battle against Bay, so we just have to combine, come to fight and play hard cricket from beginning to the end.

“They are the defending champions so most of the pressure is on them to try to the retain the cup.”

Wade also considers playing against the holders on neutral ground as a huge advantage.

“That’s a big plus because nobody knows the wicket. If Bay were at home, I am sure they would get the groundsman to prepare the wicket how they want it,” he added.

“But going to Lord’s is like a toss-up and even though they are the champions it's a neutral ground.”

Cleveland had their final round clash with holders Bay cancelled last year owing to strong overnight winds from post-Tropical Storm Idalia that left the grounds at Sea Breeze Oval in a dishevelled state.

“Last year we did not get to play owing to Mother Nature and we were really up for that game,” Wade said.

“We got the first round of the draw for this year, so I am hoping the hunger and commitment can go into tomorrow like we had last year.”

The challengers, who are led by captain Mackih McGowan, have made one change to their team this year with off spinner Tamauri Tucker replacing seamer Keith Whorms.

Holders Bay are also in a positive frame of mind and high on confidence heading into the start of their title defence.

“The guys are confident, they are backing themselves,” Bay captain Terryn Fray declared.

“The vibe going in is great; everyone seems to be relaxed and ready for the weekend. We have done some things that attributed to the team harmony and togetherness, so we feel good going into the match.”

Bay have been bolstered by the addition guest players Derrick Brangman, Tre Manders and Zeko Burgess.

“The additional three guest players, three quality guest players, this team gets a little stronger,” Fray added. “So that's always a good feeling going into a match knowing that you have the strongest side available to you.”

The experienced opening batter also predicts a tough outing against Cleveland.

“Cleveland has a great team. They have some really good players, guys that have proven themselves internationally and local, so we are expecting it to be a good, hard match,” Fray added.

Like their rivals, Fray said he and his fellow colleagues are always determined to put their best foot forward in the prestigious competition.

“Eastern Counties is probably the closest thing to Cup Match, so the vibe and everything is similar, and I think the guys really prepare themselves well because they want to do well in Eastern Counties,” he said.

“It's a big trophy for the teams and the communities in the east, so I think everyone puts a lot of attention towards it, and of course it's been good cricket for years.

“It's historically good cricket and we are just hoping it's a good match for the fans and it's some good cricket to watch.”

Meanwhile, cricket action continues tomorrow with Bay hosting St George’s in the Premier Division 50 overs league at Sea Breeze Oval.

Even though the visitors have done enough to clinch the league title, coach Clay Smith isn’t taking anything for granted as the official standings have yet to provided.

“It’s not over until it is official and until then we play to win every game,” he said.

“A win on Sunday takes all doubt or possibilities out of the equation. But Bay are a tough team, a well-drilled team, that we have to respect and be at our best for.”

The remaining top-flight matches will see Somerset host Western Stars at Somerset Cricket Club, while Cleveland take on Willow Cuts at Wellington Oval in two fixtures that will have a major say in terms of relegation.

In First Division 50 Overs action, newly crowned champions Warwick host PHC at Southampton Oval, Flatts are up against Somerset Bridge at PHC Field, while Devonshire Rec will lock horns with Southampton Rangers at Devonshire Rec.

Flatts and Devonshire are in a close battle for the remaining promotion spot and can ill afford any slip ups if they are to be successful.

Teams

Bailey’s Bay: Terryn Fray (captain), Kyle Hodsoll (vice-captain), Rodney Trott, Stephen Outerbridge, Tre Manders (guest), Zeko Burgess (guest), Azendé Furbert, Delray Rawlins, Jarryd Richardson, Macquille Walker, Derrick Brangman (guest). Reserves: Coolidge Durham, Sharye Tavares, Zakao Hart, Jahre Blakeney

Cleveland County: Mackih McGowan (captain), Steven Bremar Jr, Dion Stovell, Treadwell Gibbons Jr, Q’Shai Darrell, Jabari Darrell, Allan Douglas Jr, Shaki Darrell (guest), Makai Young, Zeri Tomlinson (guest), Tamauri Tucker. Reserves: Keith Whorms, Isaiah Greaves, Tybrae Robinson.