St.George?s Cricket Club can atone for a disappointing limited overs season by defending their Two-Day League title against a depleted Bailey?s Bay, beginning today at Wellington Oval.

The season, in particular the month of July, had its share of ups and downs for St.George?s who were relegated from the Limited Overs League but then dethroned rivals Somerset in a memorable, though controversial, Cup Match at Wellington Oval.

It was not that long ago that St.George?s were a dominant force in limited overs cricket, clinching multiple cup titles including a record five Belco Cups and last season?s Premier Division Knockout Cup.

But while the East Enders have struggled in limited overs this summer, they have managed to keep their heads above water in the longer version of the game.

St.George?s should enter today?s final against nearby rivals Bay confident of defending their crown on home turf in what will be the first meeting between two of domestic cricket?s most illustrious clubs since the 1999 Belco Cup final which the former won by 65 runs.

Bay, still smarting from a shock Eastern Counties loss to arch rivals St.David?s a week ago, are without the services of stalwarts Corey Hill, Dennis Pilgrim, skipper Jermaine Outerbridge, Cal Dill and wicketkeeper Roderick Masters ? all due to attend the wedding of team-mate Jermaine Warner today in New York.

The Sea Breeze Oval club, however, have returning to their ranks ICC Trophy and Intercontinental Cup heroes Irving Romaine and Ryan Steede.

Romaine appears to have fully recovered from a fractured finger and in Canada last week regained the stunning batting form which helped fuel Bermuda?s successful ICC Trophy campaign in Ireland in July. The aggressive early order bat smashed a maiden international ton (111) against Cayman Islands at Toronto Cricket Club last week during a mammoth 153-run fourth-wicket partnership with fellow centurion and skipper Clay Smith (138).

Bay?s teenage all-rounder Rodney (Picnic) Trott, who also travelled to Canada with Bermuda?s senior national squad last week, may also be keen to return to playing domestic cricket after a lengthy absence touring Barbados and Toronto with the Island?s Under-19 national squad this summer.

Stephen Outerbridge will lead Bay in his brother?s absence.

Meanwhile, landlords Devonshire will do battle against tenants Social Club at Devonshire Recreation Club in a match to decide which team makes the dreaded drop into the First Division next season.

Southampton Rangers have already secured third place without having to toss down a single ball after Western Stars forfeited the match, originally scheduled for St.John?s Field this weekend, due to player unavailability.

Elsewhere, Western Counties champions Willow Cuts are pitted against Eastern Counties champs St.David?s at Somerset Cricket Club in a match of little significance.

The only remaining fixture of interest today is at Southampton Oval where home team Warwick host Leg Trappers in a match to determine promotion to the top tier next season.