Bailey's Bay have added to their ranks the services of two Somerset Cup Match stars for the first round defence of the Eastern Counties Cup at Lord's today (10.00 a.m.).

Former Somerset skipper Andre Manders and current captain Dexter Basden have been recruited by Bay, who are hot favourites to advance to the next round.

These two senior players combined with the presence of Bay stalwarts such as skipper Charlie Marshall, Noel Gibbons, Glenn Blakeney and Roger Trott give the cup holders a sizeable advantage.

Basden is the lone colt in the side as Manders has played before, having been included in the winning team that snatched the cup from St. David's at Lord's three years ago. He hasn't played since.

"It's a good team, one that is very strong,'' admitted Manders.

"Both Dexter and I were approached by Bay a while ago and since the youth tournament allowed us to practice with them for the Counties both of us decided to make ourselves available.'' The pair gave a good account of themselves in last week's Cup Match trial in which St. George's played Bay. Manders grabbed five for 17 with his right-arm spinners and scored 10 while Basden struck an elegant 47 in steering the County champions to a surprise victory.

Underdogs Flatts have strengthened their team by adding Police allrounder Dwayne Leverock and Western Stars fast bowler Gary Brangman, but they are not expected to be a serious threat.

Skipper Millard Bean will have to hope his batting comes through as fragile as it appears on paper. Colt Gershon Gibbons, Treadwell Gibbons and Bean himself are among those who have to make significant contributions if the team are to put Bay under pressure.

In Premier Division Overs play tomorrow, there's a top of the table battle between champions Western Stars and leaders St. George's at St. John's Field.

This game figures to be far more competitive and exciting than today's county clash with the teams evenly matched, although neither have played to their full potential so far.

"It should be a great game,'' said Manders, who will play on consecutive days.

"On current form neither team is at its best, but with this being an overs game somebody has to win and it should be exciting. There are also several players on both sides aiming for a Cup Match position and their performances could be important.'' Another close encounter should be the one at Sea Breeze Oval between third placed Willow Cuts and Bailey's Bay who are sixth in the table and anxious to improve on that position.

Southampton Rangers are also eager to climb the table. They currently hold down last place and are at home to Police while the other game features Cleveland against Devonshire Rec. at Wellington Oval.