there is still much to be gained from good performances in the final Cup Match trials tomorrow.

Players have been known to lose or gain places in Cup Match based on how they performed in the last trials. Some, like Charlie Marshall of St. George's who heads the national batting averages and Somerset opener Dexter Basden, have done much during the course of the season to cement their places.

Others will have to rely on good performances tomorrow in order to stake their claims.

The re-emergence of Ricky Hill from a one-year ban has probably helped Basden enjoy his best season for a long time when he is even outshining his younger brother Richard. The Willow Cuts captain, knowing that his place is under threat because of the return of Hill, has let his bat do the talking for him this season -- 524 runs from 13 league and cup innings at an average of 52.40.

He has hit five 50s and a century and is third in the averages behind Marshall and Albert Steede who have scored 544 and 804 runs respectively in all local competitions.

Marshall, desperate to regain his place in the St. George's team after missing the last two seasons, is enjoying one of his best seasons in the last 12 years. He, too, is averaging over 50 runs per innings and must be confident of a recall.

Glenn Smith has, like Marshall, made runs all season -- 602 at an average of 50.16 -- and should keep his place while even Clevie Wade finds himself high in the batting averages for the first time in a long time.

Graham Fox, whose first innings 42 saved St. George's last year, looks the likely choice but he showed his determination to fight to the end with a disciplined half century last weekend against Willow Cuts.

There are selection posers in the bowling department, too, where Anthony Braithwaite and Dale Fox are both struggling to hang on to their places. This looks like the year Gary Brangman will finally get his chance while Clarkie Trott will be there to stake his claim for one of the attack bowling spots.

Three slow bowlers will be staking a claim for possibly one spinner's spot as Del Hollis of Cleveland and St. George's Eugene Foggo and David Adams all eye a spot.

One place is certain with Dean Minors replacing Allan Douglas who has stepped down.

Somerset, too, have plenty to choose from in their bowling where former captain Perry Maybury and Terry Burgess are bidding for places vacated by Kyle Lightbourne and spinner Bruce Perinchief.

Rodney Fubler hasn't been talked about much but his 33 wickets gives him an average of 11.09 which is second only to Noel Gibbons in the bowling averages.

Jeff Richardson's attacking style will appeal more to challengers Somerset than champions St. George's and speculation persists that a good knock this weekend could cement his place in the middle order, possibly at the expense of fellow slugger James Pace.

Somerset put injured Maybury and Olin Jones through intensive workouts during Wednesday's final training session, but only Jones seemed to come away without any discomfort.

Kevin Saunders, chairman of the selectors, said: "The players had a good 20-minute physical workout before any batting and bowling took place. Olin batted for about 15 minutes and had no problems but Perry was still feeling a bit stiff in his shoulders and was not bowling at top flight.'' However, both players have been included in tomorrow's final trial at Somerset (10.00) and if neither is available Saunders feels that it is no reason for the west enders to press the panic button. "We have some quality players available for selection this year,'' he assured.

One player ruled out for this year is all-rounder Darrin Lewis who will be going abroad to school right after the mid-summer classic. "He ruled himself out because of work commitments, he played in one trial but was having difficulty getting time off for others and training,'' said Saunders.

Meanwhile Somerset yesterday announced a revised selection for the final trial.

President's XI: A.Manders (capt), O.Jones, J.Warner, A.Steede, R.Basden, A.Amory, J.Pace, D.Leverock, R.Fubler, A.Edwards, Dwight Basden.

Vice President's XI: Dexter Basden (capt), R.Hill, F.Thorne, J.Richardson, J.Tucker, P.Maybury, C.Gilbert, T.Burgess, W.Richardson, D.Wade, M.Trott.

Reserves: T.Davis, M.Bean, K.Tucker.