Western Stars will be bidding to equal St.George?s? record for the most overall triumphs in the Belco Cup ? previously known as the Premier and Camel Cup ? when the competition gets underway later this month.

Following last season?s 45-run victory over two-time winners St.David?s, Stars moved to within striking distance of St.George?s who have won the coveted competition a record five times after nine appearances in the final.

Stars hold the record (11) for the most appearances overall in the final of the early season competition, the origins of which date back to 1987, while St.George?s remain the only team ever to win the competition three years in succession.

Former powerhouses Devonshire Recreation Club were the first champions of the tournament which features the top four Premier Division clubs from the previous season?s league campaign, defeating three-time champions Bailey?s Bay by 73 runs at Wellington Oval.

?It would be nice to tie St.George?s if we possibly can,? stated Stars skipper Hasan Durham following yesterday?s press conference to announce this year?s schedule.

?With the team we have we always try to win the competitions we are involved in. We always go out and try to put our best foot forward.?

The current cup holders clinched a maiden cup title in 1993 and now meet inaugural Belco Cup champions Southampton Rangers at Lords while multiple cup champions St.George?s square off against bitter rivals St.David?s at Somerset Cricket Club in the two semi-finals on Saturday, May 28.

The two winners will advance to the final at Lords on Sunday, May 29.

Last year saw Durham spearhead Stars? victory over St.David?s by producing a devastating seven-over spell of spin which yielded five wickets for a stingy ten runs ? a performance which earned man-of-the-match accolades.

Durham now expects a tough semi-final against 2003 Belco Cup winners, Rangers.

?It?s always going to be a competitive game when you are playing against one of the league?s top four teams from the previous season. That demonstrates their consistency as well,? the Stars skipper noted.

?It?s going to be anybody?s game and it?s always good to have veterans in your team. And both teams have veterans and so I think it is going to be a very competitive game. The best team on the day will be victorious.?

Stars and Rangers lock horns this Sunday at St.John?s Field in what will be a prelude to the May 28 semi-final clash at Lords.

?We basically know what to expect and I?m sure Rangers also know what to expect. And may the best team win,? added Durham.

Belco president and CEO Garry Madeiros stated: ?Belco are delighted to support the gentlemanly sport of cricket throughout the season and sponsor the cup for the third time.

?We encourage families to come out and enjoy the games together and to test their skills during the activities that our new national coach Gus Logie has planned.?

In addition to enjoying the game itself, spectators will have an opportunity put their talents to the test against members of the Island?s national team ? currently preparing for July?s ICC Trophy Tournament in Ireland ? during the May 29 final at Lords.

Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman added: ?We are grateful for Belco?s ongoing, generous support of cricket which helps to encourage discipline and good sportsmanship in our young people.?

Prior to Belco?s involvement in the tournament, previous sponsors RJ Reynolds pumped an estimated $750,000 into local cricket during a 20-year relationship with the BCB which ended abruptly in 2002.