enders renew their rivalry with Western Stars in Sunday's season opener.

The pair will only be here for the first two matches of the season against Stars and Warwick, and then later in the season around Cup Match time, because both will be pursuing playing careers in the Northumberland League in England.

"We'll just have to try to win both games while they're here,'' said captain Graham Fox last night.

As well as being the league and knockout champions, St. George's have another proud record to defend -- a winning streak that stretches 22 league games to the middle of the 1992 season.

"We want to stretch that as far as possible,'' Fox admits. "Usually we're a slow starting team but we started off good last year and if my players can produce early and get their confidence up early we should do well. The guys know that once Clay and Dean leave everybody has to step up their game a bit.'' Neither St. George's nor Stars will be at full strength for their clash at St.

John's field; St. George's without the injured Wendell Smith, who is not expected to play much because of an ongoing knee injury, and Dexter Smith who is on vacation in the West Indies.

Stars, too, have players watching Test cricket in the Caribbean as captain Gary Brangman, Jeff Richardson and Cleon Scotland are all off the Island.

Brangman is expected back in time for Sunday's match but Richardson and Scotland may be going on to Antigua for the last Test.

"It's going to be a challenge trying to replace Wendell and the other players who are leaving,'' admitted Fox who was just recently confirmed as captain of the team to replace Smith who stepped down. Smith is helping to coach the team.

Fox also captained the team for most of last season when Smith was sidelined, including Cup Match for the first time.

The return of former captain Clevie Wade from Southampton Rangers and Phillip Bailey from Hamilton Parish helps boost an already strong bowling department, while Wade will also be a key man in the middle order of the batting.

"Our bowling has always been our strength and judging by training we still have a strong bowling team,'' said Fox.

The bowling will be led by Greg Foggo, Kenny Phillip, Bailey, Hodsoll and Wade and spinners Eugene Foggo and David Adams.

Before he goes, Clay Smith wants to make a big contribution, and that means doing well in the Stars match in particular.

"I'm a bit disappointed about leaving because last year was a major step for the team and this year we're looking to build on that,'' said Smith.

"We won't have a problem bowling teams out, it's just a matter of making the runs.

"By playing Stars first, if we get over that hurdle I don't see many teams beating us. I would like to get a century, if possible, and would like to do it in the Stars game because that game could be a major step towards us winning the league.'' Stars were the only team to beat St. George's last season, losing in the Camel Cup semifinal as Stars won that trophy for the first time.

In the absence of openers Wendell and Dexter Smith, Eugene Foggo looks certain to occupy one spot with the other probably going to youngster Ryan Steede.