KENT are set to bring a full first team squad to Salisbury to play Wiltshire in the first round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy on Tuesday.

Kent chief executive, Paul Millman, said his side were keen to make the trip and glad to be renewing acquaintances with ex-opening bowler, James Golding.

"We are looking forward to coming down, the boys are excellent ambassadors for first class cricket.

"We will have a full squad. You never underestimate the opposition, particularly with Golding playing.

"It's always a bit of a step into the unknown, especially if the players are going into a county they have not been to before.

"Having said that there are sometimes players they come across playing for opposing counties who are ex-first class cricketers but it's nothing like going to the tried and tested countries we usually play."

Millman said he understood reasons not to include minor counties in next season's competition but said the minor counties do add to the trophy.

"It's always been quite difficult for matches to be staged. Some of the wickets are quite wet and in the early part of the season it does neither team any favours.

"We were down in Cornwall a couple of seasons ago and Cumberland last year, so we've done the miles, but quite often this time of year it's damp and rain affected.

"I think it's a difficult time of year for it but we went to Norfolk one year and were treated very well. (Having the minor counties) does do a bit for cricket."

Wiltshire coach Brian White said his players would be fired up for the big game on Tuesday particularly with such big names expected to play.

"I think the team will be thrilled to bits to have a go at those players," he said.

"They could be coming up against four international players judging by the likely squad and it could be the only opportunity for our players to play against a first class side particularly with this being the last season for minor county sides.

"I think they will have to trust their experience. It's a one-off game for us and hopefully we can win and get another game in the competition."

Kent boast the likes of England batsman Robert Key, wicketkeeper Geriant Jones and South African Martin van Jaarsveld in their ranks.

Van Jaarsveld has started the season in top form becoming the first Kent player ever to score a hundred in each innings of his first class debut against current County Champions Warwickshire two weeks ago.

Millman said coming to Wiltshire will be an experience for the in form van Jaarsveld.

"He won't have spent a lot of time in Wiltshire.

"I am sure he will really enjoy coming down because he's getting round the country for the first time."

n Wiltshire will again be sponsored by Wadworth & Co Ltd for the 2005 season.

This will be the sixth year that the Devizes based brewery will have been the County's main sponsors.