Somerset will look to break St George’s stranglehold in the RO Smith Over-40s All-Stars Football Classic when the two rivals meet at Wellington Oval on Saturday.

The East Enders have won the annual match featuring former top players for the past three years and will be keen to continue their impressive winning streak.

However, they will have their work cut out against a Somerset side determined to put an end to the hosts’ dominance in the event, which traditionally draws one of the largest crowds for a domestic football match each year.

“It’s a real family day and seems to be getting bigger and bigger,” Larry Hunt, the former Trojans defender and event organiser, said.

“Our sponsors Burrows Lightbourne and Pearman Funeral Home have put in a little extra this year and we really appreciate their sponsorship.

“We really enjoy putting the event on for the ex-players and old fans to come out and enjoy themselves.

“We were trying to arrange a junior game but were unable to do so because it conflicted with the Agricultural Exhibition.”

St George’s and Somerset have each won the event eight times.

In keeping with tradition, after the match former players from the clubs will be honoured.

Gladstone “O’Hell” Robinson, the goalkeeper, and Lionel Turner, the youth coach and educator, are among this year’s honorees from Somerset, while Gregory “Brutus” Foggo, the former Cup Match captain, and Wallace Robinson and Calvin Leon Smith will be honoured by St George’s.

A special award will be presented to former journalist and broadcaster Winston J.R. Jones.

The guest speaker is Dennis Wainwright, a former goalkeeper and St George’s cricketer.

Kick-off is at 3pm with presentations and tributes to be made after the game in the auditorium at St George’s Cricket Club.