Even with three changes forced upon them, champions St. George's boldly axed three more players from last year's Cup Match team on Saturday night.

Three, possibly four, changes were expected following the final trial match but in the end six were announced as veteran allrounder Clevie Wade was denied the chance to make his 20th Cup Match appearance after falling for a duck.

Lionel Cann and Chris Foggo are touring with the St. David's team while Arnold Manders has already retired. Dropped along with Wade were experienced bowlers Gary Brangman, who changed his mind about retiring, and Clarkie Trott who has not been able to maintain the form of last season.

The players coming in include two colts, teenager O.J. Pitcher of St. David's who sealed his place with an unbeaten 69 in the Vice-President team's 32-run win and Cleon Scotland after several failed attempts.

Earning recalls are Ryan Steede, carried more for his batting this time, Gregg Foggo, Eugene Foggo and former captain Graham Fox.

Chairman of selectors Cal Richardson admitted afterwards that the selection process, which took over two hours, was more difficult than last year when Clay Smith was controversially dropped.

Some 49 years of experience has been lost with the six changes, with the decision to drop Brangman in favour of Steede being one of the toughest to make.

"Gary has done very well for the club, in the last two years he's picked up about 12 wickets, and that was the biggest argument of the night and we ended up going with Ryan,'' said Richardson who noted the selections indicated a shift towards the future.

"With the 100th Cup Match coming up we have to start looking towards the future.'' The likes of Fox, Steede, Scotland and Pitcher will fill key middle order spots just ahead of the three tailenders. And though Scotland has been reserve on four or five occasions, Richardson insists his selection was not a reward but rather a place earned. He is likely to be the second front line spinner on a wicket that is expected to favour slow bowling.

"The skipper and coach (Herbie Bascome and Dean Minors) put emphasis on at least two spinners and the rest of the selectors had to reconsider their position and make adjustments accordingly,'' explained Richardson.

"I thought this year was harder than last year. We had nine in and four people for two spots. We have bats down to number nine and eight bowlers so I think it's a good, balanced team.

"I think Somerset are going to have their work cut out.'' Pitcher certainly did his chances no harm with a top score of 69 in about four hours, hitting five fours and two sixes as he shared in a third wicket stand of 114 with opener Dexter Smith who struck 68 before retiring.

"I think he was a strong candidate before today's innings and watching him bat today he really sealed it,'' Richardson said of Pitcher. "He was in everyone's team so that shows we were on the same level with him.'' Captain Dean Minors contributed 33 as the Vice-President's team declared at 4.00 p.m. on 224-6. Herbie Bascome picked up three for 36 from 11 overs while Scotland had two for 31 late in the innings.

The President's XI replied with 192, with opener Mark Ray hitting 10 fours in his 52 before retiring. Bascome smashed 32 including four fours and a six late in the innings while Sinclair Gibbons scored 24 and Scotland 22. Gary Brangman claimed four for 39 from eight overs, spinner Travis Smith two for 16 from six overs. Dexter Smith took two wickets off just three deliveries to end the match.

First timers: O.J.Pitcher (left) and Cleon Scotland will both make their Cup Match debuts for champions St. George's on Thursday.