A cricket team from New York containing former Jamaican players today embarks on a tour of Bermuda where they will try and wrest a trophy from Western Stars.

Villagers Pacesetter Social and Athletic Club, from Brooklyn, take on Police later today before playing Western Stars tomorrow for the Ratteray, Wilkin, Butler, Pitter and Thompson trophy. Their final match will see them take on Jamaican Association on Sunday in a Twenty20 match.

Since the early 1970s a New York touring team has visited the Island for a series of matches, with Western Stars usually returning the following summer.

Western Stars vice-president Randy Butler believes this year's touring team is a strong one with the outfit including former Jamaican cricketers.

"I believe they're a good side and do well in New York," said Butler. "We've been competing for this particular trophy for around eight years, although the connection with New York goes back to the early 70s.

"I remember one year Sports Minister Randy Horton toured with Western Stars — who currently hold the trophy.

"The games are usually competitive and this year's match will be different as the players will not be familiar to each other. Western Stars have a very young side while Villages are a bit more mature.

"They've quite a few Jamaican players in their team and I believe our national coach Gus Logie is familiar with some of them."

Today's match at Police Field starts at 1 p.m., with tomorrow's game starting at 11.30 a.m. at St. John's Field.