St. David's enter today's Eastern Counties second round match against Bailey's Bay having made three changes to the side that defeated Cleveland in opening their defence.

Herbie Bascome, Chris Foggo and James Pace have all been left off the list to appear at what should be a packed Sea Breeze Oval. Bascome made himself unavailable as he is currently abroad, while Foggo and Pace were both dropped in favour of more in-form players.

Coming in are pace bowlers Dale Fox and Delyone Borden, the latter seeing his first action in the Counties, along with veteran opening batsman Allen Richardson.

The Islanders had originally wanted Gregg Foggo of rivals St. George's to replace Bascome -- ironically his brother-in-law -- but he too informed club officials that he would be off the Island.

"We really were looking forward to having Gregg Foggo, who has been really impressive, but we were informed that he was unavailable,'' said cricket chairman Delby Borden yesterday.

"But our better bowlers here recently have been Dale Fox and Delyone Borden, the colt, so we are comfortable with our bowling department. Dale and Lionel (Cann) will open, then Delyone comes in at first change.

"Then we've brought back veteran Allen Richardson to help our batting department.'' As usual the champions carry a power-laden batting department led by captain Clay Smith and guest player Albert Steede, with capable weavers of the willow all the way to number nine.

However, a major concern is the wicket at Sea Breeze, especially with all the wet weather this week. And it may be that the team batting second merits a distinct advantage.

"That (wicket) is my main concern,'' said Borden "We haven't played on it, it's got to be a bit soft and with the weather we've had this week it couldn't have helped them in trying to work on it.

"With all the rain and moisture it's going to be a little ticklish.

Sea Breeze wicket a concern for Islanders From Page 17 "I hate to say this, but a lot of the outcome may well depend on the toss.'' Psychologically, the champions might have an advantage, having already beaten Bay in the league.

Indeed, St. David's have grown in mental toughness, something Borden attributed to the bringing on board of Smith as coach and captain.

"One thing I've found since Clay (Smith) has taken over the coaching here is that the mental approach of the guys is a lot better,'' he said. "They don't give up, they fight to the end, don't bicker among each other like we used to, and this has helped our overall game.

"Before when we chased big scores, guys would be in the changing room with heads bowed, but now they're eager to get out there and get on with the job.

"For instance, when we played Bay they got 300 runs, but no one came in and dropped their heads, they were positive.

"I can tell you that they don't give up now. Before we had a tendency to relax...we don't have that now and our team is getting harder and harder to pick.'' Still, counterpart Nolan Walker, Bay's chairman of selectors is of the firm opinion that the home side have the ingredients to tip the scales in their favour and have the cup returned to their trophy cabinet.

And with captain Charlie Marshall in exquisite form and arguably Bermuda's best pure batsman Glenn Blakeney making a cameo appearance after playing his league cricket at St. David's, one can understand Walker's optimism.

Other potential match-winners include the brother tandem of Ricky and Corey Hill, while Dennis Pilgrim likewise has proven himself to be more than a role player and one that can turn the tide.

"We honestly feel that the team that we put out there is the best team that we could come up with, one that is fully capable of winning the match,'' said Walker, whose side also have several changes from that of a year ago.

"We respect the fact that they have a lot of batting depth and in order for us to win the match we have to bowl well, hold on to catches and bat sensibly.

"The guys realise that we haven't had a very good season by our standards and this could be a telling point for us in turning our season around. We're still in the Knockout and the County is something we want to win for the community.

"So, you can expect some exciting cricket on Saturday.'' St. David's: Clay Smith (captain), Del Hollis, Phillip Pitcher, O.J.Pitcher, Lionel Cann, Sammy Robinson, Dale Fox, Delyone Borden (colt), Landro Minors, Allen Richardson, Albert Steede. Reserves: George O'Brien Jr., Fiqre Crockwell.

Bailey's Bay: Charlie Marshall (captain), Ricky Hill, Corey Hill, Cal Dill, Glenn Blakeney, Jermaine Warner, Anthony Braithwaite, Dennis Pilgrim, Stephen Outerbridge, Clarkie Trott, Irving Romaine. Reserves: Christino Smith, Burton Outerbridge, Kujon Simons.

Bailey's Bay will also feature in one of Sunday's top Premier League matches, as they travel to face defending champions Southampton at the Oval.

St. David's too will have to regroup in a hurry for their away encounter with Police.

Other fixtures have Willow Cuts at home to St. George's, PHC seeking revenge against Warwick, Flatts hosting Western Stars, Somerset venturing east to face Cleveland and Social Club welcoming Devonshire Rec.