With the once hot issue of St. David's' tour robbing St. George's of three likely starters for this year's Cup Match classic now cooled -- at least for the moment -- the east enders can get on with the job of selecting a unit to able defend their crown.

And key in any decision(s) made will be Dean Minors, St. George's' man of many hats. For as player, coach and selector, Minors will have a definite say in what happens both on the pitch and in the boardroom.

And as the big day nears, the stylish wicketkeeper/batsman is preaching a one word sermon...victory! Whether it be in picking a team or actually playing, victory as the end result is all that matters, although to retain the trophy St. George's need only draw.

"Our target is to win Cup Match, that's the first thing and I've already instructed the players to go out with the attitude of winning Cup Match,'' said Minors, who leads the Premier League in dismissals.

"The second thing is that we want to also get to the level of Somerset in terms of overall wins. We have the Cup, yes, but we want to surpass their total in terms of most wins.'' "The third thing is that the players should want to go out and do well as the whole country is looking at them.

"So we have goals and objectives set, but above all our mission statement is that the `best defence is attack', that is what will bring us victory.'' As for the absence of 1999 members Lionel Cann, Chris Foggo and Arnold Manders, Minors agreed that they would be a miss, yet noted there is adequate talent available to replace them.

Former captain Graham Fox looks a shoo-in for a spot, while also knocking are young middle order bat O.J. Pitcher, allrounder Cleon Scotland, as well as club players Ryan Steede and Gregg Foggo.

"I wouldn't downplay the situation, those are quality players. But the thing is we also have players that can do the job and I feel we have a surplus of players there that can do the job...and do it well.

"That's one thing I've noticed about Bermuda, that we are never short of talent. On any given day the players that are picked -- if they perform at their best -- you would see no difference.

"My take on the (St. David's) situation is that it opens the door for other players to come in, and if those coming in take on the opportunity and make the most of it then when those players come back they have to work twice as hard to get back into the team.'' With confidence running high that they can go west and, not merely stifle, but demoralise and destroy Somerset, St. George's fear no one.

Minors said that the team selected will be strong from one to 11 and have an attack that will be able to offset a potentially explosive Somerset batting line-up led by Bermuda's best batsman Albert Steede.

"Anything is possible, but as far as I'm concerned, with our mental approach I think it's going to be quite difficult for them to go ahead and beat us, because our players right now are very focused,'' continued Minors.

"We've got it in our minds that we don't have the cup, that's the mental approach we have and I think it's going to be very difficult for them to take it away.

"We want to put them on their heels as quickly as possible.'' Prodded as to what might worry him with regard to the challengers, Minors simply shrugged and smiled, saying: "Nothing at all. Our thing is to take care of ourselves.

"We look within ourselves and seek to improve our own game through our approach and then we will look at Somerset, but right now our main focus is our team unity, team morale, team intensity and then we'll look at Somerset...right now it's about us.

"No matter the time or situation we look to be on top. Our strategy is just to be on top in anything we do.'' St. George's trial squads: President's XI: Herbie Bascome, Landro Minors, Dennis Trott, Mark ray, Graham Fox, Clevie Wade, Jason Simons, Cleon Scotland, Ryan Steede, David Saltus, Gregg Foggo. Reserves: Ross Dowling, Kershae Trott.

Vice President's XI: Dean Minors, Dexter Smith, Eugene Foggo, Charlie Marshall, O.J.Pitcher, Sinclair Gibbons, Gary Brangman, Clarkie Trott, Kameron Fox, Mackie Crane, Travis Smith. Reserves: Robert Fox, Javoni Fubler.