soccer game, being billed as a grudge match for "all the marbles'' between East and West at National Stadium (7.30 p.m.).

With the overall series tied at nine wins apiece, the 19th edition of the annual spectacular promises much excitement for spectators as the teams battle for year round bragging rights. Tonight will also be the last chance to shine for many of the outgoing fifth form student thletes.

Last year witnessed the West levelling the series through a dramatic penalty shoot-out win after the East had twice recovered from being down to tie the game 2-2 at the end of regulation time. They were similarly locked 3-3 following two periods of extra time.

Organisers and team coaches were this week hopeful of a similar goal-filled extravaganza in Prospect, especially with a bevy of foreign coaches expected to be on hand to scout local talent with a view to offering college scholarships.

"People can expect the usual excitement that has become traditional for the All-Star soccer matches for both primary and secondary schools,'' said Clint Smith, Bermuda Schools Sports Federation administrator.

"This match is considered the tie-breaker with the series tied at nine apiece and whoever wins will go ahead by a game. We haven't had this situation in several years.

"Also, the presence of overseas coaches tends to bring out the best in the players, as they all want to demonstrate their skill level.

'' However, the euphoria of the occasion could also have an undermining effect and East coach Arnold Manders, while optimistic of his side's chances, is concerned that his players do not lose focus in front of the anticipated large crowd.

"I can't say how they will play, as they sometimes get caught up in the atmosphere of the occasion,'' said Manders, a physical education teacher at Berkeley Institute.

"I hope that all the things coached and taught over the last three weeks can be shown. We want to build from the back forward and produce attractive, attacking soccer.'' Manders plans were hit this week with injuries to two players, defender Desmond Burgess (back), who was expected to start in the middle of the defence, and reserve Kevin Simpson, but replacements, if needed, are readily available.

Occasional First Division -- Devonshire Colts -- player Damon Ming will lead the East attack and is sure to cause problems to the West defence with his speed and dribbling and will likely be accompanied in attack by Stephen Fahy, better known for his prowess in the swimming pool.

Earl Bean of St. George's Secondary anchors the midfield, while David Thomas stands as the rock in defence.

For the West, coached by Warwick Academy's Mark Thorne, PHC and Bermuda Under-23 team member Blenn Bean has already been ruled out because of his affiliation with the Seventh Day Adventist church and the match falling on a Friday.

Still Thorne was confident of his side's chances, pointing to Damon Francis, Chris Lewis and Marco Butterfield as key players.

Francis on Sundays can be seen performing as a right back for PHC, but Thorne is set to place him in the centre-forward role, hoping to take advantage of his strong build and powerful shooting ability.

Big, fast and a good reader of the game describes Lewis, a fifth year student at Sandys Secondary school. And those qualities should help him in the position of sweeper.

Meanwhile, the name of Butterfield's game is energy, and much of it, as he roams the midfield.

"I'm hoping for a win and if we play to the game plan, I expect to win,'' said Thorne. "Most of the players are quite mature and experienced in playing for clubs and everyone is in high spirits.

" They're all keen and excited about playing at National Stadium on the `carpet'. For them it is still the carpet and they're looking forward to it.

"I've seen the East team and they look very sharp, but we have a solid team as well.'' The Primary Schools match will precede the big game, starting at 6 p.m., with the West coached by Jay Tucker and Cal Simons, and Dennis Trott handling similar duties for the East.

Adrian Burrows Berkeley Inst.

Dennis Zuill Berkeley Inst.

David Thomas Saltus Grammar Corey Dowling St.George's Harry Hunt Berkeley Inst.

Jahmiko Marshall Whitney Inst.

Chae Simmons St. George's Earl Bean St. George's No photo available Kaivon Dill Berkeley Damon Ming Berkeley Inst.

Stephen Fahy Saltus Grammar Keemo Smith Berkeley Inst.

Kavin Simpson Whitney Inst.

Wolde-Maryam Place Berkeley Inst.

Vernon Phillips Whitney Inst.

Desmond Burgess Berkeley Inst.

Kevin Zuill Warwick Acad.

David McHugh Warwick Acad.

Ian Morrison Warwick Acad.

Tariq Robinson Sandys Sec.

Marco Butterfield Sandys Sec.

Damon Francis Sandys Sec.

Michael Williams Sandys Sec.

Christopher Lewis Sandys Sec.

Ricky Carruthers Mt. St. Agnes Vernon Tankard Northlands Michael Simons Northlands Kofi Dill Warwick Sec.

Temiko Flood Warwick Sec.

Devon Lambert Warwick Sec.

Kareem Hollis Warwick Sec.

Thomas Smith Warwick Sec.