month's Red Stripe Bowl and once again conspicuously absent is star batsman Albert Steede.

Although an exact list of the squad has not yet been released to the media it is known that Steede has not been chosen, and that this was as a direct result of his withdrawal from the team that travelled to compete at the recent Americas Cup tournament in Canada.

At that time is was alleged that the prolific opening batsman was dissatisfied with the Board's choice of Charlie Marshall as captain and, with the local governing body electing to have Marshall remain as skipper, Steede's continued absence was ensured.

Steede could not be reached for comment and BCBC president El James refused to speak specifically to the issue of the player, merely saying: "We are pleased with the squad that we have chosen to go to the Red Stripe tournament.'' However, an unnamed source close to the administration offered some insight regarding the selection process.

"The complaints he (Steede) registered before are still in place, i.e.

Charlie's still the captain,'' said the source. "Nothing's changed.

"So, if you include the guy that means you may be taking excess baggage with you and that can be infectious.

"What do you do? Leave the baggage home.'' Bermuda has been grouped alongside Cayman Islands, Leeward islands, Guyana and Windward Islands for the competition, which is expected to take place in late October.

The Saviour may have indeed arrived for reigning Western Counties champions Somerset Bridge, with rain likely to interrupt today's final at Southampton Oval.

However, while it would seem that only `liquid sunshine' can prevent challengers Southampton from seizing the trophy, Bridge vice-captain Corvette Lambert yesterday disputed all notion that only divine intervention could prevent them losing the title.

"We're not hoping for any rain, we want to beat them on the field,'' said Lambert. "I think people are going to be in for a surprise. We'll go out there, put our best foot forward and, hopefully, that will bring us victory.

"They've beat us the last three years, so we're looking for third time lucky.'' Lambert admitted that his side's batting would have to improve dramatically considering the strength of the challengers -- the White Hill bunch managed but 51 all out against Warwick last Sunday in league play.

Meanwhile, taking nothing for granted and with visions of the PHC debacle a year ago, Rangers have named their strongest possible 11, even going so far as to fly in young David Ferreira from the school in the United States for his first ever Counties appearance.

Ferreira played a few games for Southampton during the season, distinguishing himself as a hard-hitting early order batsman and tidy wicket-keeper. He may be known to some as the captain of Eton College during a tour of Bermuda earlier this year -- he has since graduated and left the school.

Bailey's Bay fast bowler Clarkie Trott is also included in the line-up as a guest player, and there is one other colt in the form of middle to late order bat Roland Rhones.

"We're confident, but one thing our mind goes back to is last year against PHC,'' said Keith Wainwright, one oft the challengers' more senior players.

"We went in confident, with the matter of the eligibility of James Pace on our minds and went through the motions.

"This year we won't take anything for granted, even though it seems like a shoo-in. That's why we've picked our strongest possible side.

"Whatever conditions occur we can't complain, because we have no control over the weather. Hopefully we'll get the game in.

"The Western County constitution allows for a minimum of 25 overs. Three o'clock is the latest time the game can start, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.'' Somerset Bridge: Denzil Dill (captain), Corvette Lambert, Brian Gibbons, Ryan Shepperd, Francis Richardson, Tony Cheeseman, Ezekiel Greenwood (colt), Jermaine Nesbitt, Darren Dowling, Adrian Burrows, Perry Saunders. Reserves: Clifford Simmons, Sean Bean.

Southampton: Janeiro Tucker (captain), Keith Wainwright, Cleavie Wade, Kwame Tucker, Ryan Belboda, Garry bWilliams, Clarkie trott, Olin Jones, Roland Rhones (colt), David Ferreira (colt), Ian Armstrong. Reserves: Kennedy Wainwright, Kamen Tucker, Rohaan Simons.

Albert Steede: has refused to play under skipper Charlie Marshall.