the destruction of Somerset Bridge in the Western Counties Cup two-day final at Southampton Oval on Saturday and Sunday.

It was his cunning medium-pace bowling which led Southampton when they blew away Willow Cuts in the second round two weeks ago when he took four wickets for 20 runs in just eight overs with three maidens. That success has him raring to dismantle the new challengers to Southampton's title this time.

Burch is enjoying his best season as a bowler with Southampton -- and he is bagging wickets not with pace, but with good, sensible bowling that's keeping the batsmen unsettled.

"I guess you can say that I am having my best season in bowling simply because I have been given the opportunity to play on a consistent basis, this certainly has helped my game considerably,'' said the team's leading wicket-taker.

"I put in a lot of hard physical work before the season, this combined with a bit of mental input has now developed into a positive package as far as my overall game is concerned.'' Going into the Somerset Bridge game Burch feels that Southampton's bowling attack remains a formidable one with young Gary Williams taking the new ball with him at the opposite end. Janeiro Tucker will be missing because he has gone away to school but Burch reckons that Clevie Wade has become more involved in the attack here lately and will add to whatever void there might be in the bowling.

Kyle Lightbourne, Southampton's best fast bowler over the last four years, has returned to training this week and may possibly be included in the line-up when the team is picked tonight. He hasn't played a single game this year after turning his attention to soccer and professional trials in England.

Lightbourne will be a welcome addition to the attack, but even without him Burch feels that Southampton's attack has the capability to successfully deal with their opponents over two days.

Burch's achievements this season have also earned praise from skipper Ricky Brangman, who said this week. "He's been just great for us, certainly one of our best bowlers,'' said Brangman.

Burch's best figures this season are six for 19 against Warwick, and five for 23 against Social Club.

Bridge have had a taste of his destruction already. He took three for 19 against then in Limited Overs play and then four for 28 in open cricket.

A regular for Southampton for many years, Burch also attributes his rejuvenated career to the fact that he and his workmate, soccer player Burton Bruce, decided to help each other become more involved in their respective sports.

"Now that I've got the chance to play regularly I'm making the best of the opportunity,'' he noted.

"I try using psychology when I bowl by keeping the batsmen unsettled with a change of pace, varying my deliveries, swinging the ball away and into the batsmen to keep them in doubt. This formula seems to be bringing me some good results.'' Looking ahead to the two-day clash, Burch said his team is ready. "We put emphasis on physical conditioning going into the season. At this point it should tell who is in condition,'' said Burch.

"I'm looking forward to bowling a long spell and taking the ball early with young Gary Williams. He is strong and fast and with my experience and ability to move the ball we hope to do well.'' Devonshire Rec. defeated Stourbridge by five wickets yesterday in the second game of their tour of England.

Scores: Stourbridge 195 for 7; Devonshire Rec. 196 for 5 (Albert Steede 34, Lloyd Morrison 67; Terry Fray 46.).

QUINTON BURCH -- The Rangers' bowling sensation could help bring his team victory in the western Counties Cup this weekend.