Title Tussle for stars, parish
decided when leaders Eastern Stars and champions Hamilton Parish I tangle at St. George's Cricket Club (7.30 p.m.).
Stars (23-0) have a four-point lead on Parish going into the final round but the champs have a game to make up against Prison Officers, which they are strongly favoured to win.
Stars won the first meet in December last year, 6-5 at Parish, and could make the title picture academic by defending their home turf. Games difference works against Stars, so a loss, even though Parish (21-1) can only tie them on points, will not do.
Also at stake tonight is the Individual Championship. A surprise loss by leader Dexter Smith to Reginald Benjamin in mid-season has kept Parish's Cory Berkeley in with a chance. Smith has a 56-1 record while Berkeley is 58-2 and would take the title if he avenges an earlier loss to the left-hander, providing he also defeats Craig Trott and Andrew Smith. Cal Burgess and Derron Trott are expected to assist Berkeley in what should be a titanic battle.
And for those who miss it, the same teams will meet again next Tuesday in the Challenge Cup final at BAA.
The best of tonight's other matches sees Southampton Princess hosting Prison Officers and BPSA at home to West Indian Association. Also, Cleveland take on St. George's Community Centre, Bermuda College face Wolves and Hamilton Parish II are up against Social Club.
The three make-up matches, Prison Officers v Hamilton Parish I, WIA v BPSA and Hamilton Parish II v Cleveland, must be completed by April 8.