Birkett returns to add edge to Pessimists' bowling attack

ADRIAN BIRKETT will be adding his firepower to NRG Pessimists as the Alexander Forbes GCA Cup gets under way this weekend. The all-rounder, currently at university, is back on the island for the Liberation weekend to strengthen Tim Belton's side for the first round tie against Rovers at the Memorial Field tomorrow.

The Pessimists captain will be without James Warr, Jeff Martel and Grant Stephens from his registered XI, but Birkett and veteran off-spinner Ted Enevoldsen will be among those brought in.

The opening match of this season's competition takes place at the KGV this afternoon when Optimists face Aon St Saviour's.

The tie is a repeat of last season's semi-final that had to be decided by the first bowl-out in the history of the senior knockout. Optimists won on that occasion, although they then lost the final.

Today they will be without Mark Clapham and Jamie Chambers, who are away, while Mike Kinder is doubtful through injury.

For St Saviour's, Richard Veillard has been netting this week after recovering from a broken left thumb and played his first evening league game of the season against Sylvans, although he did not get the chance to bat. He will be leading Saints again this afternoon.

One other first round fixture is being held tomorrow as Deutsche Bank Taverners face DHS St Pierre at the KGV.

Robbie Moore reports that his side will be under strength with Mark Bisson, Nick Harwood, Andrew Boyce and Martyn Bone unavailable. 'There are going to be some youngsters used,' said the Taverners captain.

St Pierre will still be without Nick Ravenscroft (injured) and Dougie Mackay (away).

Cup holders Total Cobo do not begin the defence of the crown until Saturday 21 June when they are up against Sylvans.

All first round fixtures are 50 overs per side, start at 12.30pm and will be played on artificial wickets.

The Alexander Forbes GCA Trophy and Shield knockout competitions, for teams in the lower divisions, also begin this afternoon.

In the trophy (for sides in Barclays Premier Two and Reserve One) St Pierre play Salemites at Port Soif while Rovers play Optimists at La Mare de Carteret in the shield.

Matches in these competitions commence at 1.30pm and are 40 overs per side.