STUART Lampitt is urging Worcestershire Cricket Board's players to take advantage of a 'shop window opportunity' when they take on Worcestershire's professionals in the C&G Trophy at New Road tomorrow (10.45am).

Lampitt will be playing against the County that he left at the end of last season to become the Board's Cricket Development Officer.

The Board team includes several players with past and present connections with New Road and Lampitt is hoping they make the most of their chance of causing a major upset.

Lampitt said: "The game is a fantastic opportunity for the Cricket Board players to reflect the improving standards of club cricket across the county.

"The squad represents a cross section of experience and youth and will provide a shop window of opportunity for a number of squad members.

"I hope, and am sure, the game will be played in the right spirit, is competitive and entertaining. At least we are assured a team representing Worcestershire will be in the fourth round!"

Lampitt, who first played for the County in 1985, announced his retirement last season tand he is now captaining Himley in the Birmingham League. Last Saturday he finished with the remarkable figures of 6-11 in eight overs during his side's Premier Division game against Cannock.

County skipper Ben Smith, meanwhile, is eager his side do not fall victim to a giant-killing act and make sure they clinch a victory which will book them a home fourth round clash against Yorkshire or Cambridge at New Road on Wednesday, May 28.

He said: "It's obviously a game where you have to take it seriously as any other match. It's a good situation for us to be in because we are playing against players we know a little bit more about. Maybe against another Board XI we wouldn't, so that's one good thing about it."

Worcestershire were today awaiting the arrival of all-rounder Andrew Hall following his involvement in South Africa's two-match Test series in Bangladesh. His debut seems more likely to be against Zimbabwe later this week rather than in tomorrow's tie.

Cricket Board: Manning (Halesowen), Davies (wkt, Himley), Round (Halesowen), Kandola (London club), Hill (Halesowen), Lampitt (Himley), Hafeez (Bedworth), Mitchell (Worcester), Jamshed (Fordhouses), Williams (Halesowen), Pearce (Himley).

Worcs (from): Peters, Solanki, Hick, Smith, Kadeer, Leatherdale, Batty, Rhodes, Kabir, Hayward, Mason, Harrity.