West Indian Association, who came agonisingly close to winning the league title, are confident of seeing off their Caribbean rivals Jamaican Association this weekend to set up a showdown with champions Leg Trappers in the Commercial Cricket League's knockout final.

WIA, who twice thrashed the Jamaicans in the league this season, appeared to hold the upper hand in their knockout semi-final at Shelly Bay two weeks ago before umpire Lester Harnett was forced to abandon the match without a result because of heavy rain.

On the same Sunday Leg Trappers, who pipped WIA by a single point for the league title, beat the rain and booked their place in the knockout final by crushing eight-man St. David's, the defending champions, by 190 runs at Southampton Oval - and don't mind who their opponents are on September 29.

"We'll take on anybody," said Trappers' spokesman James Broadbent.

Unbeaten Trappers, who completed the league-knockout double in 1999, matched WIA by twice defeating Jamaican Association in the league this season - the second time by 10 wickets - but both Trappers v WIA games ended in draws, the first fixture ruined by rain.

The start of this Sunday's semi-final replay at Shelly Bay has been brought forward by 30 minutes to noon to ensure the 40-overs-a-side match is completed in good light. Both captains have been asked to ensure their players are ready for a prompt start.

WIA beat Jamaican Association by 167 runs in their first league meeting in May and romped to a 10-wicket success in their second clash last month. Hard-hitting Andy Boyce, who was on holiday and missed several fixtures towards the end of the league programme, is in the line-up.

WIA skipper Barry Richards said last night: "We have a strong-looking team this week.

"It's the same team that played two weeks ago. We've beaten them twice already this season and we were on our way to victory in the knockout semi-final before the rain came - but it's cricket so anything is possible."

Led by Richards' 76 and a knock of 41 by Dave Greenidge, WIA piled up 213 for six - a formidable score given the long boundaries at Shelly Bay - while Jamaican Association were toiling at 65 for three from 19 overs when the match was called off.

Although Richards fell for one last Sunday in the West Indies Select XI's 29-run victory over St. George's at Wellington Oval - former Test star Courtney Walsh took two for 20 for the winners - three of his WIA team-mates impressed with the bat. Olwin Clarke blasted 47, Greenidge made 45 and Richard Austin was run out for 28.

But the Jamaicans are far from overawed by the task facing them and will be banking on skipper Chris Daley, Lloyd Morrison and Donovan Livingston to get among the runs.

"We'll have a strong team and our only doubt is Norman Godwin who might not be available," said spokesman Glenmore Barrett.

His team are guaranteed plenty of support - the Jamaican Association are holding a picnic at the ground, belatedly celebrating Jamaica's 40th anniversary of independence from Britain.

Meanwhile, even though his club are out of contention, St. David's skipper George O'Brien has confirmed the availability of Lord's for the knockout final for the third season running - a gesture applauded by league officials.

St. David's featured in the two previous finals at the ground, losing a thriller to Forties by five runs in 2000 but beating now sidelined Watford Sports Club by three wickets last season.