Two down, one to go.

St. David's face their final hurdle in defence of the Eastern Counties Cup when they tackle Cleveland today at Lord's in the final of the most popular cricket competition next to Cup Match.

The champions were given a scare during the previous round against Bailey's Bay, having to fight just to hold on for a draw after being set a target of 242 and given most of the afternoon to chase.

Such is not likely in the case of Cleveland, who were pummelled by the Islanders during their lone Premier League meeting and can expect no favours this time around.

Their main hope might well be to encounter a St. David's crew not quite recovered from the celebrating their first league title of the modern era, which was achieved via last Sunday's victory over Somerset Bridge.

The challengers must find ways to contain the explosive batting line-up of the home side, even in the absence of Glenn Blakeney, who is ineligible. Albert Steede takes his spot in the line-up, meaning there is little drop-off, and with Phillip (Billy Joe) Pitcher and Chris Foggo in top form it will be an uphill battle for Cleveland.

The obvious strategy for the men from Harris Bay would be to emulate that of Bay in getting in first and setting a tempting target.

To do this they will have to shake off the recent poor form that has seen them plunge closer to the bottom of the Premier standings than the top.

With St. David's having wrapped up the league title, the battle is now on for Camel Cup placings, with Southampton, St. George's, Western Stars and Bailey's Bay battling for the three slots next to the Islanders.

The picture should not get much clearer this weekend, with all four favoured against decidedly inferior opposition.

St. George's entertain Devonshire at Wellington Oval, with five points very much likely for the home team, while Stars should have little trouble getting past Warwick, as would Bay in their contest against Somerset Bridge.

Southampton have a bye and will likely fall to fifth by the end of the weekend.

Other matches will see Social Club hosting Cleveland, Police travelling to face Flatts, St. David's at home to PHC, while Willow Cuts and Somerset clash in a west end Derby.

Today also has the Junior Western Counties final taking place at White Hill Field, with champions Southampton favoured over challengers Willow Cuts.