A behind the scenes tug-of-war has evolved between Cup Match rivals Somerset and St.George's over hot commodity Chris Douglas - the Island's most in form batsman at the moment.

The teenage all-rounder, who cracked a whirlwind 130 for club side Warwick last weekend, had originally planned to try out for challengers Somerset this year.

In an article in the Bermuda Sun earlier this week, Douglas stated: "I think St.George's have the better team right now and I wanted the challenge of playing against them. That was the reason I went for Somerset."

However, Douglas has since had a change of heart but has yet to declare which Cup Match club he will try out for today.

"It's all up in the air at the moment," Douglas' father, Steven, told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"It's very interesting and we will have to see what happens today."

The elder Douglas intends to have a chat with his son this morning before he makes a final decision.

The Warwick all-rounder has been included in both St.George's and Somerset's final trial matches today.

Meanwhile, should Douglas do an about-turn and walk out on Somerset, his departure could serve as a double whammy to the West Enders' Cup Match hopes as opening batsman Jermaine Warner has already been ruled out for selection after breaking his hand in practice earlier this week.

Mark Trott, chairman of Somerset selectors, is optimistic young Douglas will stick to his guns and play in Somerset's final trial but is saddened to lose a genuine opener in Warner.

"As far as I know Chris is playing for us and it's too bad about Jermaine because I think his chances were as good as anyone's that has been picked in the trial tomorrow (today)," said Trott.

Lewis Foggo, chairman of St. George's selectors, could not be reached for comment.

Like rivals St.George's, Somerset have been forced to make significant changes to their squad this year as five members from last year are unavailable to play through ineligibility and overseas commitments with the senior national squad.

Fast bowler Kevin Hurdle is also doubtful through injury and so may be subjected to close scrutiny from Trott and his supporting cast who will determine whether or not last year's Premier Division Most Valuable Player can stand up to the rigours of two-day cricket.

Among those favoured to get the nod are all-rounder Sammy Robinson, who was a colt in 1998, while there are several members of Bermuda's Under-19 national squad who are also knocking on the door for inclusion in the side.

Trott is confident he and his fellow committee members will assemble a squad capable of giving St. George's a good run for their money.

"The selection committee has been going over the players and their performances since the end of June right up to this final trial.

"We feel that we will assemble a good team but at the end of the day it is still up to players to perform on the field," he added.

"Personally, I don't feel it will be a long night because we have looked at every aspect.

"We have been working as a close unit and our motto has been, and still is, 'Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance' - be it for selection of the final team or the match itself."