For a team forced to wave the white flag of surrender as many times as Somerset Bridge have in recent years, it might seem odd that the West End club were talking tough entering today's Western Counties two-day final against champions Willow Cuts (White Hill Field, 11 a.m.).

On paper it appears a definite David and Goliath clash, yet Bridge skipper David (Hixby) Jones has promised more than a few surprises for the champions.

"They took it from us last year, we'll take it back this year,'' said a confident Jones, who was in charge when Cuts seized the crown with a 39-run victory in the second round.

"This game is definitely a grudge game, because right now we're 3-3 in Western Counties. This is the rubber match here, and this will tell who is the strongest among the Western Counties.

"We'll have a good wicket prepared that should be conducive to both (fast and slow) bowlers, as long as it doesn't rain on one of those days. I want it to be a sunny day on Saturday and Sunday, and you'll get a result -- no draw, you'll get a result and the result's going to be Somerset Bridge.

"When it comes to Somerset Bridge, Cuts underestimate us, and this is where we capitalise.'' Harsh words, yet the skipper would do well to remember May 19 when the pair met in a league match which resulted in an emphatic eight wicket triumph for Cuts. In that match paceman Rodney Fubler steam-rollered through the Bridge batsmen, claiming five for 18 and new ball partner Vance Gilbert had two for 22 as Bridge were bundled out for 60.

Kevin Fubler will also be a likely threat with his off-breaks. But Jones was unmoved and took exception to any assertion that Bridge would be easy pickings, despite the record indicating as much.

"Everybody calls us the underdogs, but when it comes to championships we can compete with anybody. It's just a matter of guys giving 110 percent,'' he replied, his confidence bordering on arrogance. "I feel positive that we're going to take this game on Saturday and Sunday and I feel my players are up to it.'' Bridge have brought in Jeff Richardson and Perry Maybury as guest players, but Jones, while appreciating their answering the call for help, said that he was pinning hopes on his regulars and in this regard had three colts with Denzel Dill, George Weller and Kenny Maybury Jr., set for their debut.

Willow Cuts are eyeing the likes of Richardson and Maybury and the effect each could have on the match, although there remains little doubt among the camp as to the final outcome.

"With Maybury and Jeff Richardson, Bridge are bound to be competitive -- more so than when we beat them easily in the Premier Division,'' said Gilbert, also president of Willow Cuts. "But with our many seasoned players, combined with our talented Cup Match members, we should have enough experience in a two-day game to beat them.'' Out of the Cuts line-up is spin bowler and useful middle order batsman Vivian Simons, who broke his hand during Cuts' win over Southampton in the previous round, as well as youngster Devon Wade, dropped in favour of Dwight Basden.

Wayne Ball enters as the lone guest player from neighbours Somerset Cricket Club, replacing Simons.

None of these changes worried Jones who added: "The majority of Willow Cuts are my cousins and I know certain things and the main thing is getting those three out of the way -- I'm not going to name them -- and I think we'll be on our way.

"...for sure we're going to bat (well) this year. You see a lot of people don't realise that when it comes to Somerset Bridge players, it's not that we can't bat but guys just throw their wickets away.

"I'm captain and I'm the main culprit in throwing my wicket away and if guys sit down and really bat we could even win it that way, but my main thing is winning it in the field first.'' Teams: Somerset Bridge -- David Jones (captain), Corvette Lambert (vice-captain), Denzil Dill (colt), Greg Maybury, Carlton Simmons, Francis Richardson, Jeff Richardson, Brian Gibbopns, George Weller (colt), Perry Maybury, Kenny Maybury Jr. (colt). Reserves: Jerome Smith, Anthony Smith, Kevin Lapsley.

Willow Cuts -- Dexter Basden (captain), Richard Basden (vice-captain), Dwight Basden, Dwayne Basden, Rodney Fubler, Kevin Fubler, Vance Gilbert, Wayne Ball, Jermaine Warner, Andre Hendrickson, Gladwin Edness. Reserves: Devon Wade, Reid Jones.

DAVID JAMES -- desperate for revenge