Willow Cuts guest player Janeiro Tucker is adamant he has no axe to grind heading into the holders clash against his former club Southampton Rangers in the Western Counties Cup final at White Hill Field today (11am).

Despite having parted ways with his childhood club, the experienced all-rounder maintains there is no love lost between himself and his former colleagues at Rangers, where he groomed his skills and enjoyed numerous success.

“Rangers will always be my team no matter what the circumstances are,” Tucker told The Royal Gazette.

“I am not looking at as coming up against my former club, they are still my club.

“I am a Ranger. That’s how I was brought up and sometimes you just do what’s got to be done.

“Cuts want me to play and I am just going to go out there and play like a normal day not even looking at it’s Rangers or trying to do this against them or getting back.

“It’s not like that. It’s just a game and I am just going out there play cricket and enjoy myself.

“May the best team win and hopefully it’s the team that I play for, Cuts.”

Tucker will be up against several of his former team-mates, including fellow all-rounder Dion Stovell, who is making a guest appearance for Rangers.

“I spoke to Dion already about it and he is looking forward to the challenge and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

Cleveland County player Stovell added: “We are playing against Janeiro but don’t forget he is a Ranger and always will be. Hopefully we get him out cheaply.”

Tucker raised eyebrows when he made a surprise appearance for Cuts in the previous round where they dethroned holders Warwick.

The 49-year-old played an integral role in Cuts’ six-wicket victory, stroking a game high 62, sharing in a 111-run stand for the fourth wicket with fellow guest player Dominic Sabir and claiming two for 20 with his gentle seam during a highly successful debut for the west end club in the competition.

“It’s always nice to get back even at my age,” he added.

“I really didn’t expect to play any cricket this year but me as a cricketer and keeping myself in decent shape, when the opportunity presents itself I am not going to say no because I like to help out in any aspect that I can.

“Help out the youngsters or older guys that ask for advice, and that’s why I am back out and just enjoying myself having a knock.

“Not trying to prove anything. It’s just a matter of getting out there, having fun and helping out whoever needs the help and the development of cricket in Bermuda.”

Cuts coach Dexter Basden, who has retained the same squad from the previous round, is optimistic his team can maintain their grip on the trophy.

“I am expecting Rangers to give 100 per cent,” he said.

“But as long as we come strong I think we can come out on top, and it’s definitely going to be a good game.”

Rangers coach Darren Burchall says the challengers are up for the task at hand.

“We have prepared as best we can for the match. They boys have worked very hard,” he said.

“We have learnt and developed our cricketing intelligence during the 50 overs league, and that will work in our favour.”

Experienced all-rounder Derrick Brangman, who celebrates his 37th birthday, is the remaining guest player in Rangers squad.

Elsewhere today St David’s take on Cleveland County in the Junior Eastern Counties at Lord’s (11am).

Cricket action continues tomorrow with the second round of the Athene Twenty20 League.

Premier Division champions St George’s have been pitted with Western Stars at Lord’s, Bailey’s Bay entertain Somerset at Sea Breeze Oval, while Warwick will do battle against Cleveland at Somerset Cricket Club.

In the First Division, St David’s take on Devonshire Rec at Lord’s, Willow Cuts are up against Somerset Bridge at Somerset Cricket Club, while Flatts and Southampton Rangers will square off at Sea Breeze Oval.

First Division games start at 10.30am while Premier Division games get under way at 2.30pm.