shows that there is something to be said for the much-criticised youth in the local game.

The key for these two certainties in the 1993 St. George's Cup Match team is to stay on even keel -- if at all possible in the midst of this recent success.

Smith gets the nod over Cann as the top choice in this week's Fab Five given the gravity of the anticipated match-up against Western Stars. The others are Olin Jones of Southampton, Noel Gibbons of Bailey's Bay and Troy Dean of Flatts.

Clay Smith: Scored a brilliant and chanceless century at Wellington Oval to lead St. George's to a 97-run win over Stars, who saw their chances of a five-title sweep disappear. Struck nine fours and five sixes and then from 10 tidy overs of off-spin he took two for 33, including a scintillating one-hand return catch. Right at the top of his game -- and he knows it.

Lionel Cann: Sensed an opportunity to win Eastern Counties match for St.

David's and went for it. Excited the crowd with rapid knock of 32, but saved the rest for next day against improving Cleveland. Blasted 127 in St. David's massive 271 for five, including eight sixes and nine fours. With Cleveland asked to score more than five an over, Cann took two for 23 from 10 overs.

Olin Jones: If not for four chances, 151 not out against Bailey's Bay would bring the Somerset Cup Match star top honours. His form has come just in time for Somerset selectors, who have to be worried that so many of their players are out of touch. Blasted 11 sixes and 10 fours at the friendly confines of Sea Breeze Oval.

Noel Gibbons: Excelling in a losing cause yet again. Second successive half-century, but Bay were well beaten and surrendered title they held for past three seasons. Took three for 40 in midst of Rangers' batting assault and then watched helpless as the bottom quickly fell out of Bay's reply. In the end, he and last man Terry Burgess had to play for pride.

Troy Dean: His approach saved the Eastern Counties first round from being a rainy bore. Plenty of enterprise in knock of 65, which included a six and seven fours.