In a surprise move -- designed to ensure that players are fully aware of the club's interest in them -- Cup Match champions St. George's have already chosen a squad of 28 for their final trial at Wellington Oval next Saturday.

Following last year's debacle, when they lost Sammy Robinson to Somerset after he had been invited to try out for both clubs, the East Enders are hoping that their decision to name the final squad earlier than usual will encourage young prospects such as him to make a firm commitment.

Usually the final squads for both clubs would not be named until the middle of next week -- just a couple of days before the teams are picked.

"The rationale behind this move is to get players to commit to our programme.

There are a couple of youngsters that Somerset may be looking to grab at the last minute and we are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year,'' said Wendell Smith, chairman of the St. George's selection committee.

"On the day of the final trial, Sammy was picked by both clubs. He was in our first trial, scored 65 and decided to go to Somerset because he felt it was easier to make their team. And he went where he was guaranteed a place,'' added Smith.

"Mind you a player can still do something like this but at least by us announcing our teams early, the public are aware that we are taking the initiative to secure our young prospects.'' The final trial will feature the customary match-up between the President's Select, skippered by Herbie Bascome, and the Vice President's XI led by Charlie Marshall.

Although St. George's have yet to confirm their skipper for Cup Match, the consensus is that they will stick with the policy of having their Premier League skipper do the honours -- meaning that Herbie Bascome will replace Clay Smith who left St.George's this season to take over as player-coach of St.

David's.

When questioned about the captaincy, chairman Smith quipped: "There is no controversy about our skipper,'' seemingly alluding to the problems encountered by Somerset after they announced that Albert Steede had replaced Dexter Basden.

Added Smith: "We will be announcing our captain next Saturday after the final trial. Right now our league skipper Herbie Bascome looks to be the favourite for the position.

"Herbie captained the league team late in the season last year, he did well to keep the momentum of the team and he helped us to go undefeated in the league. And this year he led us to a Camel Cup victory, and we are in contention for the league title.'' Smith also confirmed that wicketkeeper/batsman Dean Minors was expected back from the US in time for the final trial.

Trial teams: President's Select: Herbie Bascome (capt.), Clarkie Trott, Ryan Steede, Jason Lewis, Clay Smith, Lionel Cann, Chris Foggo, David Adams, Clevie Wade, Landro Minors, Cleon Scotland, Sinclair Gibbons, Travis Smith, Detroy Smith.

Vice President's Select: Charlie Marshall (capt.), Dale Fox, Gary Brangman, Mackie Crane, Dexter Smith, Dean Minors, Ricky Hodsoll, Kameron Fox, Mark Ray, Oliver Pitcher, Glenn Smith, Troy Hall, Arnold Manders, Eugene Foggo.

All players are asked to report to training next Wednesday, starting at 6.15 p.m.