Police will face the acid test against champions Western Stars at St.John's Field today in the second round of the Central Counties Cup.

Their task won't be easy with Stars full of confidence following a comfortable 151-run triumph over Social Club last weekend which ensured the cup remained inside the St. John's Road clubhouse.

Stars have reportedly been bolstered by the return of hard-hitting opening batsman Jermaine Postlethwaite and all-rounder Saleem Mukuddem who sat out last week's Counties clash, while veteran Arnold Manders' current status is unclear. Manders also missed last Saturday's contest.

Veteran spinner Hasan Durham will be looking to pick up where he left off last Sunday against PHC. Durham seized an incredible five wickets for five runs, including four maidens, and was named this week's BTC Mobility Player of the Week.

Police have managed just two wins in the First Division this term and will again pin their slim hopes on veteran all-rounder Dennis Archer, wicketkeeper/batsman Andrew Rawlins or possibly Nyon Steede, the brother of Stars' skipper Albert.

Central Counties action gets underway at 11 a.m.

Elsewhere today, there will be two First Division make-up matches involving Social Club against Bailey's Bay at Sea Breeze Oval while Devonshire tackle Flatts at Devonshire Recreation Club.

In tomorrow's Premier Division action, frontrunners Cleveland County and Southampton Rangers clash at St.John's Field in a match that could go either way.

Cleveland are enjoying one of their best starts in the league in years and have already toppled defending league champions Stars and long time nemesis St.George's. However, they will have to string together another solid all-round performance against Southampton who possess a solid batting order with veteran Ricky Brangman coming off an aggressive knock last weekend against St.David's.

Skipper Janeiro Tucker's bat has also been quiet so far this season and it might only be a matter of time before the talented all-rounder breaks out of his batting slump.

"They have a lot of experience and some of their batsmen have yet to come on form but it should be a very good match," noted Cleveland veteran, Aaron Adams.

Meanwhile, Somerset take on Stars at Somerset Cricket Club while PHC host high flying St.George's at White Hill Field.

In First Division play, Warwick take on Police at Southampton Oval, second-placed Bailey's Bay are at home to Somerset Bridge while third-placed Leg Trappers tackle Devonshire at Police Field. Social Club will have their hands full against unbeaten league leaders Flatts at Devonshire Rec.