battling for two places in tomorrow's final at St.David's during today's semi-finals at Devonshire Rec. and Wellington Oval.

One of those semis, the Western Stars-Bailey's Bay encounter at Wellington Oval, is worthy of being the final itself as these two sides are arguably the top limited overs clubs in local cricket.

But, come this evening, only one will still be pursuiing their third triumph in the competition.

It has only been in the last four years that Stars and Bay have won the trophy, Stars winning in 1993 and '96 and Bay in '94 and '95.

Stars beat Bay in the final four years ago while the next year Bay gained revenge when they won the cup for the first time.

Of the 10 finals held since 1987, Stars have appeared in the most (six) while Bay and St. George's have reached five and Devonshire Rec, the inaugural winners of the then Premier Cup, four.

St. George's share with Rec. the honours of having won the cup the most times (three) and they could make it a record four this year. The last of their record three straight triumphs came in 1990 and now they must overcome a tricky tie at Devonshire Rec. against underdogs Willow Cuts in today's other semi-final.

Only four teams have ever won this competition which is limited to the top four sides in the standings from the previous season. Cuts would like nothing more than to join that exclusive club.

Matches between Cuts and St. George's are always keenly contested and will probably be even more so as the two Cup Match captains from last season -- Dexter Basden and Clay Smith -- come face to face again. Both teams have made some key signings for the season with Cuts picking up bowlers Charles Swan, Brian Gibbons and Garry Williams.

Gibbons had an impressive debut last weekend, claiming four wickets against Police and Dwayne Basden hit an impressive half century while for St. George's Jason Lewis smashed a half century on his debut against Southampton Rangers.

There is little to choose between Bay and Stars, both of whom had relatively easy wins over PHC and St. David's last weekend as Dale Fox marked his Stars debut with a six wicket haul against his former team-mates. The likes of Ricky Hill, Glenn Blakeney and Charlie Marshall at the top of the Bay batting order will now enjoy the challenge of facing Fox.

Today's matches start at noon and are 50 overs per side.