---

There is a big buzz around Willow Cuts these days.

The Premier Division newcomers have gone from pretenders to contenders after securing the services of feared fast bowler George O'Brien Jr. - who will form part of a three-pronged seam attack that also boasts Kevon Fubler and national team all-rounder Malachi Jones.

Cuts assistant coach Dexter Basden has welcomed O'Brien and Jones with open arms.

He said: "Everybody is excited and happy to have two international players in our squad this season because it has been some time since Richard (Basden) and myself have represented Bermuda.

"I know these guys' experience is going to help develop our youngsters faster and further by them training and playing with them on the weekends - especially Malachi who has been to the World Cup (2007).

"It's been a few years since Willow Cuts have been in the Premier Division and these guys are definitely going to help us out."

Prior to the arrivals of Jones and O'Brien, Cuts relied upon promising left-arm seamer Fubler to carry their new ball attack and Basden insists that trend will continue.

He added: "We are not going to push Fubler aside so at least with have an option of Kevon, Malachi and George. We haven't finalized who is going to take the new ball.

"We are happy to see these guys come in but we are not going to forget our youngsters that have been in our squad for the last couple of seasons."

Rumoured to joining Cuts is Somerset's Jermaine Warner and Dwight Basden.

With the likes of Jones and O'Brien in their ranks, expectations will be running high at Cuts next season.

Basden, however, plans to take things all in stride.

He said: "Sometimes when you have a good eleven on paper that doesn't mean that is going to be the best team. But as long as these guys (Jones and O'Brien) bring their experience and play within their heart for the club we can go even higher."

Jones dropped a bombshell earlier this year when he transferred from Southampton Rangers.

O'Brien has transferred from Police who have lost the services of a few key players who have returned to the Caribbean.

The right arm- fast bowler saw limited action for Police last season due to injury which also ruled him out of Cup Match.

O'Brien burst onto the Cup Match scene in 2005, claiming 11 wickets on his debut.

Meanwhile, other notable cricketers on the move is St. George's fast bowler Gregg Foggo who has transferred to St. David's while St. George's all rounder, Herbie Bascome, is rumoured to be coaching at Devonshire Recreation Club next season.[[In-content Ad]]

---