WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will bid a fond farewell to a "captain's dream" when they entertain Essex Eagles in a totesport League Division One match at New Road tomorrow (1pm).

Sri Lankan star paceman Chaminda Vaas comes to the end of a short-term contract with the County and leaves with a glowing tribute from New Road chief executive Mark Newton.

He said: "Chaminda has been the consummate professional during his two months with the club. Having arrived with his family back in April to temperatures of six degrees from 43 degrees in Sri Lanka he has quietly and efficiently gone about his business with both bat and ball.

"He is a captain's dream and has been an inspiration to our younger fast bowlers during his time with us. We would have no hesitation in inviting him back in the future if the international schedule, and his new coach, ever allows."

Worcestershire have named a 12-man squad for tomorrow's clash which includes all-rounder David Leather-dale, who has been sidelined since mid-May due to a calf injury.

The County's head coach Steve Rhodes is hoping his side can bounce back from two successive defeats against Glamorgan Dragons and Middlesex Crusaders.

He said: "We've been disappointing so far in the one-day league. We really have not put runs on the board. We've bowled pretty well and we could have fielded a little bit better, but we are aware of that and we have learned some lessons already."

Rhodes, however, is expecting the County to be given a stiff examination against high-riding Essex. "They are a lot better side these days," he said, adding: "They have got some experienced players and they have got a bit more depth with their batting as well.

"Realistically, I think we can get into the top three in the one-day league. If you can do that then you are right in the shake-up for possibly winning it.

"We haven't actually played too many games in the league yet, but history shows it's the type of competition that if you get on a winning roll you have got a chance of winning it."

Worcestershire (from): Moore, Dav-ies, Hick, de Bruyn, Smith, Lea-therdale, Vaas, Pipe, Price, Malik, Wigley, Mason.