It's a safe bet to say that by the time the sun nestles below the western horizon tomorrow Western Stars will once again stand alone atop the Premier Division.

And that's hardly a case of counting chickens before they hatch.

Especially when one considers Stars' opposition for tomorrow afternoon stands as Social Club, a team barely able to find bodies to fill out the line-up, let alone challenge or - God forbid - actually win a match.

So far, Social Club have defaulted once, shown up with just six men another time - an addition came later to allow the match to be played - and were spared last Sunday when a venue for their match against Devonshire Rec. could not be secured.

In between, following some hasty recruiting, they did actually manage to fulfil their duty with a full complement during last Saturday's Central Counties first round against Stars at St. John's Field. But the result was never in doubt as the home side thrashed them by nine wickets, dismissing them for a paltry 44 with the `match' over and done well before tea.

And even though Stars will tomorrow probably take the opportunity to blood some of the youngsters being groomed for the future, they're unlikely to break sweat regardless.

Stars, with a perfect record of 3-0, will also benefit by co-leaders St. David's having a bye week, enabling them to stand alone at the top of the heap. The only other unbeaten side, St. George's, have played a game less.

Speaking of the east enders, they should also come through unscathed against a much improved PHC unit that has thrived under the tutelage of new player/coach Andre Manders.

St. George's have summarily dismissed speculation of a potentially tumultuous campaign coming on the heels of a calamitous pre-season, displaying the form and fight St. Georgians demand.

Willow Cuts found out first hand a week ago when they were ruthlessly chopped down to size while chasing 264. Cuts, containing a respectable if not spectacular arsenal, could manage just 56 in the face of fiery bowling from the likes of national squad paceman Herbie Bascome, along with Gregg Foggo and Ryan Steede.

However, PHC too have shown remarkable resilience, even though their 1-2 record - on the surface - would seem to say otherwise. No more are they mere pushovers, with their batting vastly improved, having registered scores beyond 200 each time out, one of those totals coming away to Stars.

Captain Cal Waldron has also led from the front, he and Kenny Mills forming a useful opening tandem, while Manders anchors the middle order.

Still, St. George's should be too much, their experience and ability providing strengths the home side cannot match.

An intriguing tie should occur at Southampton Oval, where Rangers entertain Devonshire Rec. The latter have only played one match thus far due to problems securing venues while their own turf wicket is prepared.

Other matches see Police hosting Somerset, Cleveland entertaining Bailey's Bay, Warwick travelling to face Flatts, and a local derby involving Willow Cuts and Somerset Bridge at Somerset Cricket Club.

Today, meanwhile, sees the second round of the Central Counties Cup being played with Stars hosting latest challengers Devonshire Rec., at St. John's Field.