league players are included in Cup Match teams.

And neither will Western Stars manager Mike Jones, for having seven of his players included in the annual classic on Thursday and Friday -- the most of any outside club in recent times.

Challengers Somerset, whose only league player is captain Perry Maybury, boast five Stars players -- Jeff Richardson, former captain Andre Manders and three colts Wayne Richardson, Anthony Manders and Allan Brangman.

At the other end, St. George's themselves have included seven league players with the Stars' representatives being vice-captain Arnold Manders and reserve Cleon Scotland. And Jones would even go as far as to claim an eighth with colt Dexter Smith one year removed from the league champions.

"It is good to finally see the likes of Allan Brangman and Anthony Manders in Cup Match because they have been overlooked and under-rated for some time,'' said Jones yesterday. "It is good to have young Cleon at St. George's. Out of the lot I am most happy for those three and Spike (Wayne Richardson).

"Besides Doc (Andre Manders), Arnold and Jeff, those four deserved a chance and the selectors did well to choose them.'' Jones believes that the inconsistent batting form of Arnold Manders and Jeff Richardson was brought on by their pressing for Cup Match places.

The Stars manager said it was pressure they need not have put on themselves.

"Arnold was a shoo-in because of his technical ability,'' said Jones. "With Wendell Smith out, St. George's will heavily rely on him to assist Graham (Fox).

"Jeff can't be ruled out. Though his game is not at its best he can't be ruled out because he can score runs and score them quickly, which is what Somerset need, and he can cut off 50 in the field.'' The most strides this season have been clearly made by Brangman, who for so long has played in the shadow of older brother and club skipper Gary, an unsuccessful triallist yet again at the east end.

"Allan is the one I am most pleased for,'' added Jones. "He has worked hard all season, done well for the club and played for Bermuda.

"He could be Somerset's ace in the hole. If he can generate great excitement early, Somerset could win the cup back. A lot will rest with him and Wayne.

They are going to have to bowl a lot.'' Stars' plan for a five-trophy season were scuppered last week when they were beaten in the KO Cup first round by St. George's.

Providing Stars can overhaul St. George's in the league, Jones will accept the seven players in Cup Match as icing on the cake.

In the past, Southampton Rangers and Devonshire Rec were the two best represented clubs in Cup Match, largely because of their success. Now Stars are getting their just reward for being one of the top clubs in the last few years.

"It is only fitting that we have that many in the big game,'' believes Jones.

"Stars are a championship team and it is good that people look at clubs that are doing good things in cricket.

"This is capping off a good year. It was disappointing to lose to St.

George's in the KO Cup, but if we can win everything else and have seven players in Cup Match you can't argue with that.'' The most critical moment in Stars winning the most prized trophy will come only two days after Cup Match -- against St. George's in the league at Wellington Oval, the site of only their second loss all season.

"We have started planning for that game already,'' said Jones. "It could very well be the league decider. The only down side we have had this season is that we have players at the national level and Cup Match level and it takes away from the club in terms of commitment.

"That is reflected in our play recently. But now the jitters about making Cup Match are over and the guys know they are in there. So we should be back to our level soon.

"I wish them all well over the two days but I can't wait for it to be over so we can get back to the club level.'' ALLAN BRANGMAN -- Beat his brother Gary into Cup Match and is one of seven Western Stars players involved in the Classic.