favourites to lift the trophy that keeps eluding them.

And after three losses in the final in the last four years they will be even more determined to end a disturbing sequence.

For, while they have represented the Eastern Counties in the Champion of Champions since dethroning Bailey's Bay in 1987, that success in the most popular of the counties has not spilled over into the triangular tournament, which also involves the central and western champions.

Neither home-field advantage in 1988 and again last year, nor the addition of guest players have given St. David's a significant edge as PHOTO KEN PITCHER -- Hoping to end Benson and Hedges drought. they were beaten by nine wickets by Stars in '88, by 12 runs by Southampton Rangers in '90 and by six wickets by Willow Cuts at home last season.

Mediocre performances in the league is reason again to consider guest players like Wendell Smith, Albert Steede, James Pace, Anthony Foggo and Del Hollis, the first four especially because the batting has failed to back up some good bowling and fielding.

"We won't know who's going to be dropped until the selectors pick the team but whoever is left out I hope they understand why,'' said captain Ken Pitcher this week.

Even against a Nationals team having their own problems St. David's can't afford to look ahead to Sunday's final against Rangers at White Hill field.

"I don't intend to take them lightly,'' Pitcher said. "They are not a team that you can say you should have an easy victory. There are a lot of people who feel this should be our year and we will be going into the game with a positive attitude.'' Saturday's semifinal, also at White Hill, will be a test for those St. David's players hoping to boost their claim to places in the team for the Eastern Counties first-round meeting with Bailey's Bay in two weeks' time.

The batting, particularly, needs improving and with the likes of Allen Richardson, Shea, John, Oliver, Dean and Philip Pitcher from the league team all pressing for places it is clearly going to be a difficult job of selecting the final 11.

"We're looking at the guest players right now because the batting is not what it should be,'' said Pitcher, who has himself led the batting on a couple of occasions coming in at number seven or eight.

Even their main batsman, Richardson, has not shown consistency, though opening the batting with Smith always seems to bring out the best in him.

"He's been quiet,'' Pitcher said of Richardson. "I think that's some reflection on the team for they expect him to always make runs and that shouldn't be so.

"Our bowling and fielding has been spectacular this season when we've mowed teams down for small totals. I've not been disappointed with our bowling or fielding. Certainly the guest players are welcome and I feel privileged that they are able to be included in the St. David's side for both this match and the Counties.'' Choosing the bowlers could also be a tough task for the selectors with someone bound to be left out now that Dale Fox is fit again and playing.

The skipper is able to call on Herbie Bascome, Fox, Scott Minors, Cecil Pitcher, Lionel Cann and himself with Richardson and/or Del Hollis providing the spin if needed.

KEN PITCHER -- Hoping to end Benson and Hedges drought.