Eastern Counties champions St.David's will be gunning for a rare hat-trick when they lock horns with challengers Cleveland County in today's 105th final of the competition at Lords.

The Islanders advanced to the final on the back of successive victories over Bailey's Bay and Flatts in the previous rounds and will be looking to continue their winning ways while tightening their grip on the coveted showpiece.

St. David's have made two changes from the squad that hammered Flatts by eight wickets earlier this month with newlywed all-rounder Sammy Robinson and pace ace Stefan Kelly coming in for off spinner Del Hollis and all-rounder Justin Pitcher.

The champions have again called on guest players Chris Douglas, pacer George O'Brien jr and wicketkeeper-batsman Fiqre Crockwell who has had an outstanding series thus far behind the stumps.

Lionel Cann, the St. David's captain, says retaining the cup will be the icing on the cake as the 2008 campaign draws to a close.

"This is a trophy we want. It will be a successful season for us if we can defend the trophy," Cann stated.

Cleveland, who have not won the competition for nearly three decades, are confident they can make the breakthrough this year, having placed heavy emphasis on winning this particular competition on a recent tour of England.

The challengers shaved their Counties roster down to 14 players earlier this week but at press time yesterday had not announced a final squad that will attempt to wrest the spoils from St.David's.

St.David's: Lionel Cann (capt), OJ Pitcher (vice capt), Chris Foggo, Arthur Pitcher jr, Landro Minors, Sammy Robinson, Chris Douglas, Stefan Kelly, Fiqre Crockwell (wk), George O'Brien jr, Delyone Borden. Reserves: Deigo McCallan, Shea Pitcher jr.

** Open League cricket takes centre stage tomorrow with current Premier Division leaders St.George's doing battle against St. David's in an East End derby at Wellington Oval while Southampton Rangers host Social Club at Southampton Oval in the day's top two match-ups.

Elsewhere, Western Stars take on Bailey's Bay at St.John's Field while Willow Cuts tackle Devonshire at Somerset Cricket Club.

In First Division Open League action, Police and Leg Trappers do battle at Police Field, Somerset Bridge host Warwick at White Hill Field, Cleveland take on Somerset at Sea Breeze Oval while Flatts are pitted against PHC at Lords.