Good question, and the best answer is probably that this weekend's Knock-Out Cup is both Alpha and Omega.

On the one hand today and tomorrow's semi-final and final (both at Sea Breeze Oval, 12 noon) represent the conclusion of last cricket season, with the matches having been postponed until now due to the non-cooperation of Mother Nature. At the same time it also marks the debut of the 2001 campaign.

And will the eventual winners go down as the 2000 champs or be marked as exhibit 2001-A? No matter, such details will be left to the administration and media to thrash about as the players will be concerned with one issue ... winning.

Western Stars tomorrow look to complete a sweep of all five major competitions for which they were eligible, when they tackle the winners of today's semi-final featuring Southampton and Bailey's Bay.

The men from St. John's Road, under the leadership of second year captain Albert Steede, have been diligently preparing for what promises to be a long haul, especially considering that they have been squarely marked with the bullseye by all of their rivals.

Steede yesterday noted his squad to be focused and ready for the rigours of summer, and was optimistic of a good result tomorrow no matter the competition.

"It probably won't be the same as winning it in the cricket calendar year,'' said Steede, last year's leading run maker, "but a win is a win and I would think that whoever we play will present a good challenge and we're up for it.'' Stars named their team on Thursday night, and have slotted newcomer Gershon Gibbons in at the top of the order, replacing Treadwell Gibbons who looks like taking on more of a part-time role this season. Long serving paceman Gary Brangman has likewise departed the playing ranks with Dwayne Leverock, formerly of Police, bringing his left arm slow variety and booming bat to the mix.

There is also a mixture of youngsters, with Gibbons, wicketkeeper Jakon Edness, Jaja Millett and Justin Robinson occupying spots alongside veterans Arnold Manders, Ricky Brangman, Cleon Scotland and Jermaine Postlethwaite.

Many thought that Manders would have been another to join the retirement list after hobbling through much of last season on a bum knee, however the former Bermuda and Cup Match star, having had repairs made to the injured joint, is looking as good as ever.

"This year will be slightly different in that we have some youngsters in there and are trying to get them involved as much as possible while we do have the experienced guys around,'' said Steede. "So it's a bit of a transition year for us, but we're still looking for success on Sunday and for the season, although it is going to be difficult for us to repeat last year's performance.

"Everyone will be gunning for us, but we'll just take them one game at a time.''