Defending league champions Western Stars can avenge last season's Premier Division KO Cup final loss to St.David's today when the two giants of local cricket clash head on at St.John's Field.

The Islanders were the only team to blot Stars' copybook last season.

St.David's defeated Stars in the former Camel Cup final and then rubbed salt in the wound by emulating that triumph in the inaugural season-ending KO Cup final at Sea Breeze Oval.

Now the onus is on Stars to set the record straight while skipper Albert Steede, all-rounder Saleem Mukuddem and veteran Arnold Manders - said to have fully recovered from a wrist injury - are expected to provide much of the impetus.

Veteran batsman Treadwell Gibbons Sr. was also spotted in training this week while much of the team's hopes will also rest heavily upon the spin duo of Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock and Hasan Durham.

Durham has now recovered from a hamstring injury which plagued the player all last season, while Leverock will finally get the chance to put some of the valuable pointers he obtained at the Sir Lance Gibbs Spin Academy earlier this year into practice.

The Islanders, meanwhile, welcome OJ Pitcher and Chris Foggo back into the fold. Again, player/coach Clay Smith is expected to lead from the front, while Stars will have to keep a watchful eye on young opening pair Mackie Crane and George O'Brien Jr - arguably two of the Island's quickest bowlers. At last report, Glen Blakeney was still missing from training.

Elsewhere today, Southampton Rangers and St.George's will tangle at Lord's.

St.George's swept the league series between the two clubs last summer to put a major dent in Rangers' league title hopes. So like Stars, Rangers also have a score to settle.

In another match of interest, Somerset host Cleveland at Somerset Cricket Club, while the match between Premier Division newcomers PHC and Willow Cuts at White Hill has been postponed due to unavailability of a roller.

In First Division action, Police take on Somerset Bridge at Police Field, Warwick host Devonshire Recreation Club at Southampton Oval while Leg Trappers will be baptised against Flatts at Sea Breeze Oval. The match between Bailey's Bay and Social Club, originally scheduled for Devonshire Rec., has been postponed as Devonshire officials have denied Social Club access to their field.

Turning to tomorrow, St.David's and St.George's will feature in the day's top match at Lord's. Last season sparks flew between these two east end clubs during a league match at Wellington Oval.

However, both Sinclair Gibbons (suspended) and Phillip Pitcher (not playing) will not be around for tomorrow's battle. Both players were involved in brief skirmish which resulted in BCB discipline hearings. Pitcher walked away a free man, while Gibbons was slapped with a one year ban.

Elsewhere, Southampton host Somerset at Southampton Oval while Willow Cuts will be put to the sword against Stars at Somerset Cricket Club. Cleveland host PHC at their temporary new abode at St.John's Field.

In First Division action, Devonshire take on Flatts at Devonshire Rec., Leg Trappers travel to Police Field to meet Police, while Bailey's Bay welcome Warwick to Sea Breeze Oval. The match between Somerset Bridge and Social Club has been postponed.