he recovers from the shoulder injury he suffered on Sunday in the important win over Western Stars.

And providing the unbeaten league leaders get by Southampton Rangers on Sunday, the 22-year-old Smith will not have to be tempted to rush back prematurely to help assure the club does not blow the chance to win their third league championship in five seasons.

"I'm looking at being out about a month,'' said Smith yesterday. "I hope to get back for the St. David's game on the 29th but if we beat Rangers on Sunday, and with Western Stars and Bailey's Bay playing each other, I probably won't have to push it.

"It's the same injury I picked up in soccer but on the other shoulder.'' Smith was fielding at long-off when Arnold Manders skied a shot going with a strong breeze. Smith said he hesitated before racing in so as to not over-run the ball and when it did not carry he had to dive forward to take the catch close to the ground, injuring his shoulder as he landed.

Smith has been arguably the most in-form batsman in Bermuda in the last month with scores of 40, 100, 70, 61, 43 and 50 -- form that has put him in the running for the Cricketer of the Year award.

In total he has scored 744 runs in 17 innings for the season at an average of 49.60. Already he has improved on last season when he scored 499 runs in 16 innings.

His explosive batting has helped put St. George's in a strong position for the league and knockout double following wins over Western Stars.

"With the type of schedule we have left, for us to lose twice is almost next to nothing,'' he said. "There is really no chance of anybody catching us. If all goes well I may even rest for St. David's.'' After this weekend the next league matches will not be until August 29. He is guaranteed to miss the quarter-finals of the knockout on August 15.

"I was looking at the schedule today and I should only miss the Rangers match and the knockout,'' said Smith.

"With the type of season I'm having I was looking forward to getting in the running for the MVP.''