January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
St. David's could add four for County
Both sides were due to finalize their plans following late selection meetings.
And St. David's could use as many as four guest players with Cann set for a late check on his back injury.
St. George's opener Oronde Bascome and Warwick's Chris Douglas, both of whom played in the win over Cleveland, could also be retained.
It is understood that Dwayne 'Sluggo' Leverock will suit up for Flatts, with Social Club's Nakia Smith another possible guest player.
Dale Benjamin, who has been playing club cricket in England, is also expected to return for Flatts in the match at Sea Breeze Oval on Saturday morning.
George O'Brien was in need of a late fitness test after his record breaking exploits with the national team, but OJ Pitcher and Delyone Borden are expected to return from the States to line up for St David's.
Skipper Sammy Robinson said the islanders were confident of holding on to their title.
"It's always important to keep the cup and we are looking to win the match as well.
"We have a lot of talent but we have to put that to use and play smart cricket.
"Some games this season we have lost through not playing smart enough."
He said St David's respected Flatts and would have a particular eye out for in-form batsman Rahji Edness.
"Edness can make runs and everybody knows what Sluggo can do with the ball in his hand but we are going to be concentrating on our own game and we think we have the players to do well."
Flatts captain Derek Wright said St. David's were a good side and had earned the right to be favourites.
"They should be confident because they are a good bunch of cricketers but on any given day we can handle ourselves against anyone."
He said Benjamin, who moved to England several years ago, had been playing high level club cricket in Nottingham and would probably come into the side.
But he said nothing was final until after last night's training session.
Robinson added that the Eastern Counties competition was extremely important to the players.
But, in reference to Gus Logie's comments in the Royal Gazette this week that certain players put the competition before playing for their country, he said that St. David's players would always be proud to represent Bermuda.
"I think that might be true in one or two cases but for the main part everyone at St. David's would gladly play for the national team first."
He said the club was proud to have produced so many players for the national team and for the St. George's Cup Match side.
"We've always had a pretty strong youth programme going and guys get a good grounding and go on from there."
He said the next step was for the talented young squad to improve their consistency and challenge Southampton Rangers for the Premier Division title next year.
"We finished third this year, which isn't bad, with all the players we had away with the national team.
"We always felt we had the talent to challenge for the title and that will be our aim next season."[[In-content Ad]]
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