Much has been made of the tough job facing Somerset selectors as they try to pick what they think will be a winning team for next week's Cup Match Classic.

But even their task seems insignificant compared to the controversy in the champions' camp where the ineligilibity of three players -- Dean Minors, Lionel Cann and Dale Fox -- has grabbed the headlines and caused a stir during the last few days.

Somerset will gladly allow the spotlight to be taken away from them and directed at St. George's, whose policy of omitting for selection anyone who has not paid their dues by June 30 is bound to create much discussion at today's final trial match.

The three players have been picked for today's match, Minors and Cann in the President's team and Fox in the Vice President's XI, although it has already been confirmed that they will not be considered for selection.

Two -- Minors and Cann -- were in the team that won in thrilling fashion last year, so those places will have to be filled along with that of Kenny Phillip who has not played this year.

St. George's could make as many as four changes to their 1994 winning team, with Wendell Smith and David Adams certain to return to claim two of the places. The unavailability of the trio has reduced the number of serious contenders and may actually make the selectors' job easier, though criticism is inevitable.

The area hardest hit will be the pace attack, which has been the weakest part of the team in the past few years. Without Phillip and Fox, a new ball partner is needed for Clarkie Trott...the choices being narrowed down to Gregg Foggo, whose fitness is questioned, and his brother-in-law Herbie Bascome.

Both could advance their claim by good performances today.

The wicket at Wellington Oval usually favours spin and the selection could again be influenced by that, which would obviously boost the hopes of Arnold Manders and Eugene Foggo of being retained. With Adams, they could force a three-prong spin attack.

Lewis Foggo, younger brother of former captain Gregory Foggo, looks the obvious choice to fill Minors' role as wicketkeeper.

It appears as though seven places are safe from last year, captain Graham Fox, Dexter Smith, Clay Smith, Clarkie Trott, Manders, Clevie Wade and Charlie Marshall. And assuming that Wendell Smith, Adams and Lewis Foggo are certain to come in that would likely leave one spot open and with as many six contenders fighting for it.

They include Eugene Foggo, Ricky Hodsoll, Glenn Smith, Bascome, Gregg Foggo and Ritchie Foggo, all knowing that a superb performance today could improve their chances.

At Somerset, there are expected to be more headaches for the selectors, who must decide on a wicketkeeper to replace the unavailable Anthony Manders, as well as his brother-in-law Perry Maybury who is also not in contention.

One player seemingly back in favour, and a strong candidate for selection, is veteran bowler Rodney Fubler who trained with the team this week and is included in the President's team for today's final trial. Others trying to earn the right to partner Roger Blades are Quinton Burch, Allan Brangman and club trio Chris Caisey, Stephen Brown and Curtis Lee.

Somerset have a host of contenders, and considering their selection policies over the years a surprise or two could crop up, as was the case last year when both Ricky Hill and Andre Manders were dropped.

Both are back in contention for batting spots which is bound to put pressure on Olin Jones whose position could be threatened.

The definites would appear to be captain Dexter Basden, Albert Steede, Jeff Richardson, Richard Basden, Shannon Warner and Blades. That would leave five places up for grabs.

Also pushing is Roger Trott of Bailey's Bay, who looks certain to keep wicket for the President's XI. The choice for wicketkeeper next week would then be narrowed down between Trott and whoever dons the gloves for the Vice President's team today. That choice would be between Ricky Hill, Andre Hendrickson and Reid Jones.

Somerset seem to be following the example of St. George's and leaning more towards spin and in that department there are a number of choices, including incumbents Del Hollis and Hasan Durham, with veterans Kevin Fubler of Willow Cuts and Johnny Richardson of Cleveland, the other challengers.

The final Cup Match trial teams for today's matches which start at 10 a.m.

are: St. George's President's XI: Graham Fox (captain), Dexter Smith, Wendell Smith, Clay Smith, Lionel Cann, Cleon Scotland, Dean Minors, Eugene Foggo, David Adams, Clarkie Trott, Ryan Steede.

Vice-president's XI: Arnold Manders (captain), Ricky Hodsoll, Glenn Smith, Charlie Marshall, Gregory Sampson, Lewis Foggo, Clevie Wade, Ritchie Foggo, Herbie Bascome, Jason Anderson, Jermaine Outerbridge, Gregg Foggo, Dale Fox.

Somerset President's XI: Dexter Basden (capt), Albert Steede, Andre Manders, Jeff Richardson, Richard Basden, Roger Trott, Kevin Fubler, Hasan Durham, Chris Caisey, Roger Blades, Rodney Fubler, Curtis Lee, Shaun Roberts.

Vice President's XI: Shannon Warner, Ricky Hill, Olin Jones, Curtis Jackson, Andre Hendrickson, Reid Jones, Johnny Richardson, Del Hollis, Quinton Burch, Stephen Brown, Allan Brangman, Cordell Gilbert, Tony Cheeseman.

The top Premier league matches tomorrow will be at Wellington Oval where St.

Geroge's, third, take on fifth-placed and defending champions Bailey's Bay and at Nationals where the home team (second) and Police (fourth) clash. St.

George's trail leaders Western Stars by four points and second-placed Nationals by three with Bay, who are 19 points behind the leaders, looking destined to relinquish their title.

Stars could make certain of landing the title by beating PHC tomorrow and Nationals next weekend. Other matches tomorrow see Flatts taking on Southampton Rangers, Somerset meeting Willow Cuts, Warwick hosting Devonshire, Cleveland at home to St. David's at Sea Breeze Oval, and Somerset Bridge against Social Club.

IN AND OUT? -- Former Somerset captains Andre Manders (left) and brother-in-law Perry Maybury will feature in the Cup Match selection process tonight. Manders is hoping for a recall while Maybury is certain to be dropped, not having been included in today's final trial.