Outgoing Somerset Cup Match coach Jeff Richardson has been lending his support to Flatts as they attempt to dethrone champions Bailey’s Bay in the Eastern Counties Cup final today.

With the Flatts facility in Smith's featuring a concrete wicket, Somerset Cricket Club has allowed the team to conduct their final preparations in the west end, allowing batters to practise on grass and bowlers to get some bounce while training.

Richardson, who is stepping down from his Cup Match role having never been on the losing side, also provided Flatts with advice and allowed them to train with his Somerset team.

Kijuan Franks, the Flatts captain, expressed his appreciation to Somerset and Richardson for their act of kindness.

“Somerset were kind enough to let us use their wicket in preparation for Saturday’s game,’’ Franks told The Royal Gazette.

“A big thank-you to Somerset and Jeff Richardson for allowing us to use their facilities. We trained three nights up at Somerset this week, we used PHC last Wednesday.

“It’s better to bat on a natural wicket just for the adjustment. This being a big game, we felt it’s better to get out there on a grass wicket.

“It was definitely a pleasure to get some sessions in with Jeff and he assisted our coach, Ryan Belboda, in the training aspect.

“We feel we are ready for Saturday and we just have to go out there and do what we have to do.”

Kamau Leverock, who was signed by Gujarat Giants in Thursday’s Legends League Cricket auction, has been promoted to Flatts vice-captain. In last year’s second round, the 29-year-old scored 40 and took three wickets, with his all-round exploits not enough to stop Bay from cruising to a six-wicket victory at Sea Breeze Oval.

“Kamau will be vice-captain this year and that is obviously a more important role for him than he has had over the years,’’ Franks said.

“We’ve also recalled Kevin Hurdle and Temiko Wilson as we felt that they give us something that we needed for the day; Hurdle with his all-round abilities and Temiko with his steady batting.

“Cofield Robinson, who is no stranger to Flatts, also adds a little something to the side.

“We have also picked Jahmi Douglas, a pace bowler, as our colt. He’s been away in England and has shown his quality this year. Jahmi has earned his spot, hats off to him and I hope he does well on Saturday.”

Flatts are used to being in the shadow of Bay, St David’s and Cleveland County, but Franks is optimistic about the team’s chances as they seek to lay their hands on the trophy for the first time in more than 40 years.

“We feel like we have a good chance,’’ Franks said. “It’s just a matter of going out there and executing our game plan.

“In previous years, we’ve put ourselves in good positions, but we've never capitalised on them. We are the smaller side of the county teams and there’s always that stigma when it comes to Flatts, but that is nothing new to us.

“It’s been too long since we last won, the last time was in 1983, so it’s long overdue. It’s going to take a team effort, and it’s going to take some good individual efforts for us to come out on top.

“Bay have a very formidable team and hats off to Bay for what they've been able to achieve in the competition over the years, but we’ve got a sound side.”

After training at Somerset from Tuesday to Thursday, Belboda declared his players ready to prove themselves.

“The guys are eager to play and show that they are able to compete with the best,” the coach said.

“I feel we can and we are ready, the players just have to do the basics of the game.

“We have to leave everything on the field. We have enough experience but it will also be a great experience for the youngsters that are coming through.”