A star-studded West Select featuring some of the best players ever to grace the local football scene prevailed 2-0 over an East Select at the National Sports Centre yesterday.

Second-half strikes from the boots of Chris Furbert and Keith Bell proved too steep a mountain to climb for an East team who were able to match their opponents for the most part but repeatedly saw good approach work wasted.

Furbert gave the West the lead for good in the 51st minute with a simple tap-in at the back post following a Dale Russell corner. Bell then added another two minutes later to cap off what proved to be a delightfully entertaining match featuring some of the Island's past greats.

The final margin of victory could have been wider, however, as Russell ballooned a 23rd minute penalty over the bar and Coolridge (Bumla) failed to capitalise on a breakaway with only the 'keeper to beat.

The East's best chances fell to Ralph Bean who chipped over the bar and Cal Dill whose header rolled inches wide.

"It was nice to come out and be involved and the good thing about it was to see the players play simple football. I enjoyed watching them play," commented victorious West coach, Clyde Best.

Asked why didn't he play himself, Best replied: "Best is past the best now . . . I'm better on the bench."

The former West Ham United star, however, remains a fierce competitor. "When I come out, I come out to win," he added. "There is no such thing as a friendly match for me."

Though his team came up short, East coach Earl (Gabby) Hart had no complaints.

"It was very entertaining and thanks to these guys they took me back another 20 years or so," he said.

"They still have the desire and passion for the game. I think everyone did a tremendous job and I must credit the West ? though I think they had a lot of youth on their team."