Top all rounder Lionel Cann has been declared fit for Southampton Rangers? potential Two Day League decider against defending champions St.George?s starting today at Southampton Oval.

Cann is fresh off Bermuda?s recent tour of Trinidad where he squashed doubts over his health by averaging 72 runs per innings and featured in a match-clinching 64 run eight-wicket partnership with Dean Minors that carried the Island to a historic victory over Canada at Queen?s Park Oval.

Since returning home late last weekend with the national squad, the 33-year-old has been receiving treatment to a groin injury he insists will have no major effect on his game.

?It?s just about healed. I might be a little sore after playing this weekend. . . but after a day or two of rest everything will be back to normal,? Cann explained.

Cann?s availability will only enhance Rangers? chances of lifting the Two Day title and pocketing the $2,500 in prize earnings, and could also go some way towards compensating for the unavailability of national squad team-mates Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock and Janeiro Tucker who are due to travel with the senior national squad tomorrow to England.

As it stands Rangers need only take a minimum of ten batting or bowling points from St.George?s to provide themselves with an unassailable lead over nearest rivals Bailey?s Bay.

Southampton (48) currently lead Bay (32) by 16 points.

But way before Clevie Wade?s charges can even begin thinking about uncorking the champagne they must first find a way past a St.George?s side who might not be so willing to hand their title over to Rangers on a silver platter.

?St.George?s are a good team . . . but like any other game you have to prepare. And so we will have to work out a strategy for them and try to execute it on the day,? Cann said.

?St.George?s have a couple of experienced players like Herbie (Bascome) and have given Rangers problems in the past. But overall this will be a good test for what I think will be two evenly matched teams.?

Rangers can effectively clinch the title by winning the first innings.

?Even if St.George?s win we still only need ten points in order to win the league,? Cann added. ?So we more or less have to just win the first innings.?

Although St.George?s? hopes of defending their title would appear slim, the East Enders still have some work to do in order to avoid relegation.

St.George?s presently hold a seven point lead over last-placed Western Stars, and so they can ill-afford to come away from Southampton Oval with anything less than a draw and must also obtain as many bonus points as possible to enhance their chances of survival.

Elsewhere in Premier Division action, under strength Stars and Bay lock horns at St.John?s Field in a match the former club must win and hope St.George?s lose in order to stand any chance of surviving in the top flight.

At Lords, leaders St.David?s and Leg Trappers will do battle for the First Division Two Day title, promotion and the $2,000 up for grabs in prize earnings while Social Club find themselves in a must-win situation against Willow Cuts at Devonshire Rec. in order to avoid relegation.

Devonshire, meanwhile, are poised to wrap up the Second Division title. All Ricky Brangman and his supporting cast require is a draw against Police at Police Field in order to clinch promotion, league honours and $1,500 in earnings.

On the flip side of the coin, all Police have to left to play for is pride having already been relegated to the Third Division.

The remaining Second Division clash will see PHC host Western Counties rivals Warwick at White Hill Field in a match of little significance given both have already secured enough points to avoid relegation.

At Wellington Oval, Cleveland will attempt to protect their unbeaten record against Flatts.

Cleveland currently have an unassailable 40 point lead over nearest rivals Somerset and, as such, have already clinched the league title, promotion and $1,000 in prize earnings.

The remaining Third Division sees Somerset Cricket Club hosting neighbours Somerset Bridge at Somerset Cricket Club.