First Division went on to qualify for the Dudley Eve competition.

This season the situation isn't quite so predictable, with all of the top six teams in contention for a Dudley Eve spot, which makes for some interesting matches this weekend.

Last year after eight games, the league leaders, Boulevard, had 13 points and led by two points. This time around, with four teams having already held the top spot, Somerset and Dandy Town are now in front locked on 10 points. The fact that they are three points off last season's pace reflects the inconsistency of all the teams.

And while there were 12 points between top and bottom last December, there are now just four separating the 10 sides in the top flight. It is so close that all of the four places are still up for grabs -- with just two points separating the top six.

Those hoping to be a part of the holiday tournament know that only a victory will guarantee their place. Even the teams in the bottom half of the standings have something to play for as a victory could make the difference between spending the holidays in a mid-table position or on or near the bottom.

Last season St. David's were five points adrift at the bottom with the three teams above them on six points. One of them, Southampton Rangers, went back into the Second Division with St. David's but this season BAA and Devonshire Cougars are showing the fight and determination that just might keep them in the top flight next season.

Tomorrow's top match will be at PHC Stadium where the Zebras, third, entertain second-placed Dandy Town, the defending champions. There is just one point between the two teams and whoever wins will clinch a spot in the tournament.

Another interesting contest should be that at Bernard Park between sixth-placed North Village and leaders Somerset. Village briefly held the top spot before a couple of bad results, losing at home to St. George's and Devonshire Cougars, saw them slip down the standings.

Village have the league's top scorer in their ranks, but Dennis Robinson will probably need to add to his 11 goals if Village are to stay in contention. A victory on Sunday would lift them level with Somerset on points and with a better goal difference than the Trojans it might be just enough to get them into the Dudley Eve.

Two of the other three matches also involve teams with their sights set on Dudley Eve qualification.

St. George's, with only a very slim chance now of making a first appearance after losing their last two league games, can still spoil the hopes of Devonshire Colts when they entertain them at Wellington Oval.

Devonshire Colts have won the fewest games -- two -- of any of the top six teams but have lost only once thanks to five draws. Another draw probably won't be enough while another St. George's loss will almost certainly sink them deeper into the relegation zone.

The east enders are presently seventh in the standings but just a point ahead of the bottom three, Vasco, Cougars and BAA.

An important bottom-of-the-table clash sees Devonshire Cougars taking on Vasco as both try to move away from the cellar while in the other match last-placed BAA are at home to mid-table Boulevard who are still in contention for Dudley Eve.

The top Second Division match tomorrow sees Southampton Rangers at home to St.

David's, the team that beat them in the preliminary round of the FA Cup last month. That match will be the second of a Second Division double-header, the 1 p.m. opener featuring Paget and Hamilton Parish.

The schedule for the holiday matches sees Somerset Cricket Club hosting the opening Dudley Eve matches next Wednesday, a double-header at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

On Boxing Day the matches will switch to PHC Stadium (1p.m. and 3 p.m.) with BAA Field being the venue for the lone semi-final on December 28 in the double elimination competition. The two finals are scheduled for Devonshire Rec. on December 30 (8 p.m.) and St. David's on New Year's Day at 2.30 p.m.