MVP Dwight Warren scored twice after setting up the opener for Kevin Jennings as the East scored a deserved victory in the feature All-Star match at Somerset yesterday.

But it might have been different for the West had Carlos Smith earned a starting role -- he failed by just two votes among the ballots submitted by the fans -- and Meshach Wade not missed a penalty in the second half.

Even so the East were deserved winners as players from both teams clearly enjoyed themselves. Kentoine Jennings, who has missed the last two Vasco games because of a knee injury, was determined not to skip this one and came out wearing a knee band.

But not even his presence in the heart of the West defence could prevent the East from taking a 2-0 lead after just 16 minutes.

The wait for the first goal would be just nine minutes as Warren laid on a pass for Jennings on the right edge of the penalty area and his first time shot crept inside the far post.

After going close in the 14th minute when 'keeper Dwayne Adams slapped a shot from Darron Simons onto the crossbar, the East scored again two minutes later.

Shawn Smith of the West passed straight to Warren and he kept his cool before driving a low shot inside the near post.

Both teams made three substitutions at the half, including both goalkeepers.

But it was the introduction of Carlos Smith which boosted the West's hopes of a fightback.

Coming on for Shawn Smith, the Dandy Town striker quickly settled into the game and became a constant threat with his pace down the right.

He was fouled by Dean Bailey in the 50th minute for the penalty which could have turned the game around for the West. But Wade's effort hit the post.

The West paid for that miss when Warren made it 3-0 in the 54th minute with another low shot from close range.

However, the West refused to throw in the towel and in the final half hour they helped thrill the crowd with some fluent attacking moves.

Smith was involved in most of them and he laid on the best goal of the game in the 63rd minute when he provided a cross from the right and substitute Rohaan Simons, on just four minutes, beat Hall with a powerful header at the near post.

In the process of putting a header wide, Darron Simons injured himself and had to be carried off in the 65th minute.

East: D.Adams (T.Hall 46 mins); N.Smith, N.Paynter, M.Hollis (D.Sharrieff 59 mins), D.Bailey, M.Ray, Kev.Jennings (W.Salaam 46 mins), J.Samuels, D.Warren, P.Clarke (J.B.Nusum 46 mins), E.Weldon (S.Goater 54 mins).

West: T.Figureido (R.Darrell 46 mins), L.Furbert, Kent.Jennings, S.Smith (C.Smith 46 mins), E.Hunt (M.Hunt 46 mins), O.Steede, R.Lightbourne (K.Tucker 59 mins), M.Wade, C.Hill (R.Simons 59 mins), D.Simons (J.Marshall 65 mins), I.Burgess.

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

Most Valuable Player: Dwight Warren.

Photos by David Skinner ONE UP -- Kevin Jennings of the East All-Stars (left) celebrates with Makonnen Hollis after breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute.

STOPPED -- East defender Nakia Smith (right) nips in to intercept this pass to Irving Burgess during yesterday's senior All-Star game at Somerset.