inevitable as they seek to retain the Central Counties Cup against giants Devonshire Rec. at St. John's field tomorrow (11 a.m. start).

Police had entered that third round match decided favourites against a vastly understrength Stars outfit, who were not totally displeased when Mother Nature forced its cancellatiomn.

And with the current weather outlook bleak it may be that a similar situation awaits. However, Stars captain Gary Brangman said his men were in high spirits and eager to prove themselves worthy champions, as well as gaining a measure of revenge against a Devonshire team that has beaten them three times the past two seasons, including once already this year in the Camel Cup final.

"Just retaining the trophy will be revenge,'' he said. "If they want it they'll have to come get it. We're coming to win...we're not going to do them any favours.'' Nevertheless, Brangman will have to lean on his bowlers to keep the explosive Devonshire bats quiet for one more week if they are to hold on to the championship snatched from previous holders Nationals in the second round.

The reigning league and Camel Cup champions were skittled out for 55 in their last outing against Willow Cuts and, although Stars have some capable bowlers in the form of skipper Brangman, brother Allan, Dwayne (Pickles) Steede and Wayne (Spike) Richardson, it is unlikely they will be able to duplicate that feat against a line-up containing Albert Steede, James Pace and skipper Anthony Amory.

Instead they will seek to play a good all around game in order to control tomorrow's encounter.

"We always play the game on the day and never take anyone lightly,'' said Brangman. "Our game plan is strong...we'll come to play.

"We really want to do well in the three categories...bowling, batting and fielding. Our fielding has been up to par, the bowling's okay and the batting is coming along. If we put all three together it should allow us to blend and win the match.'' No one has been particularly outstanding with the bat thus far for the Pembroke team with the highest individual score a 71 by Arnold Manders against a mediocre Warwick attack to open the season. Dexter Smith, who played a major role in Stars winning the Cup, has been their most consistent run-getter with knocks of 70, 52, 34 and 22 to his credit, but even he has fallen flat lately, failing to reach double figures in his last two outings.

Said Brangman: "If the first five could do the job it would be great. This would give the bowlers something to aim for.'' GARY BRANGMAN -- The Western Stars captian hopes his team can upset favourites Rec. at St. John's Field tomorrow.