and simple: "We are going for a win from the get-go.'' And while it will be tough to make the game any more exciting than last year's thriller when Somerset snatched a three-wicket win, Basden's hoping the fans will once again get their money's worth from a contest which he believes could produce just as many fireworks.

With team morale high, Basden is confident that the West Enders will return home still holding the cup. "My message to the Somerset fans is that we will be back to the west with the cup when it is all over,'' said Basden, who is skippering the team for the fourth consecutive year.

"I just hope everybody comes out and enjoys what I believe will be two good days of cricket. We have the two extra hours added now and there is no reason why there shouldn't be a clear-cut victory.

"St. George's will not sit on their bats as challengers and we certainly will match them if they are aggressive.'' Basden chases outright victory From Page 19 With a record of one loss, one draw and one victory in his three-year tenure, Basden said he believed the team selected this year had every right to think they could add to last year's triumph.

And he noted he had been particularly encouraged by his own performance at Wellington Oval this season, a venue where he has twice gone past the half century mark.

"All of my runs have been scored away from home this season, and I have reached the sixties twice so far at Wellington Oval. There is no doubt that I will be going into the game quite confident with my ability to score runs,'' said the skipper.

Unlike their opponents who made five changes, Somerset had no real difficulty picking their team and Basden felt the harmony that existed from the first trial through to the final selection was something that would carry over into Cup Match.

"Our team's strength is the unity that we have,'' said Basden. "Albert (Steede) and I get along well together and it's important that the captain and vice-captain do so. It showed last year. We had very good communication between us, I didn't lead the team to victory alone.

"We have a good all-round team, one strong enough to take us to victory. I asked Andre Manders to come back because of his vast experience and the presence of my brother, Richard, will give us even more experience and ability.'' According to the 31-year-old skipper, St. George's will have to take chances and play aggressively just as Somerset did a year ago. And bearing this in mind, he supported his selectors' decision to restrict Somerset's team changes to no more than three.

"Having the experience of Andre and Richard is a big difference from going into the game with three colts. I think Quinton Sherlock bowled well during the trials, it was his first attempt to make Cup Match and I hope he was not discouraged.

"But Kevin Hurdle is also young and will get better with the likes of our talented coaches to assist him.'' St. George's surprised Basden by leaving out a batsman of the calibre of Charlie Marshall, a player he felt could have helped the challengers chase quick runs if needed.

"He would have made them stronger. He is a bad day player and he has proven this time and time again. I really am surprised they did this to him, but St.

George's still have a solid line-up,'' added Basden.

OOZING CONFIDENCE -- Somerset skipper Dexter Basden has no doubt his side can repeat their victory of a year ago.