the Benson & Hedges Champion of Champions competition tomorrow when they take on the winners of today's first-round clash between defending champions St.

David's and Southampton Rangers.

The Central Counties may be the least glamorous of the three counties but those involved with the competition insist that it produces the most keenly-contested matches through teams like Stars, Devonshire Rec. and Police.

The quality of the teams in the Central Counties is proven by its record in this competiton where those teams have won six of the 14 championships since its inception back in 1978. Eastern and Western Counties teams have each won four times.

Stars are one trophy away from their third piece of silverware this season and though they should be favourites to land the Benson & Hedges trophy for the third time, and the first time since 1988, there is no chance of them taking their opponents -- whomever they may be -- lightly.

"We have a lot of respect for both teams,'' captain Gary Brangman said.

"Rangers are looking for revenge against St. David's and us. We never under-estimate anybody, we take everybody how they come and whoever we play we're going to play our own game.

"The spirits are high with the guys and we really want to win this trophy. It doesn't matter who we play, we just have to play our own game.'' Recently, Stars made it known they were bidding for a five-trophy sweep. They have already landed the Camel Cup and Central Counties and are looking to retain their league title as well as add the Benson & Hedges and Knockout Cup to their collection.

"We're in the crucial stage of the season,'' Brangman added.

Stars meet Police in the league next weekend before two matches with present league leaders St. George's on July 18 in the first round of the knockout and on August 1 in the league.

While the Central Counties has already been decided for 1993, Southampton Rangers and St. David's will put the defence of their Western and Eastern Counties titles on the line in the next couple of weekends.

GARY BRANGMAN -- "...crucial stage of the season.''