The 53rd edition of the Central Counties Cup begins today at Devonshire Recreation Club starting at 11am featuring holders Western Stars against Tuff Dogs.

The youngest of all the county tournaments, it was 1969 when the competition first began. Young Men’s Social Club took the inaugural title by way of a coin toss, as it rained all day preventing any play.

Today’s version no longer includes Social Club any many others such as Police, Nationals Sports Club, BAA and even PHC, who now ply their trade in the Western Counties, which starts on July 2.

Evening League side Tuff Dogs will provide the opposition for Stars, who have named a strong team in defence of their crown. No fewer then four players have Cup Match experience. Captain Khiry Furbert has Treadwell Gibbons Jr and Alje Richardson in the Stars line-up as guest players. Both are sons of former Stars legends, Treadwell Gibbons Sr and Jeff Richardson, the present Somerset Cup Match coach.

The rest of the team includes cousins Tre Manders, Jekon Edness and Gavin Manders, the tennis professional, who has not lost touch with cricket after years out of the sport.

Tuff Dogs are countering with some recognisable names who will be no pushover in this 50-overs match.

Arnold Manders, the president of the Bermuda Cricket Board, will be going up against his son and nephews, as well as his home club that he led to dominance in this competition.

Tuff Dogs captain Terrance Corday is hopeful of his side can spring a surprise. “Age and injuries have taken a toll on selecting a team, but we will be there to give it our best shot,” he said.

The winner of today’s game takes on Devonshire Rec next Saturday.

Western Stars lifted the trophy last year after a 19-run win over Devonshire Rec in the final.