today's Central Counties first round clash against champions Western Stars is the toss.

Such overwhelming underdogs are the Devonshire club that Stars could be excused for already looking forward to the next round.

Indeed, today's match might well produce a carbon copy of that played a year ago when Nationals were unmercifully slaughtered by 163 runs at St. John's Field.

Both on paper and on the pitch Nationals simply fail to match up against the perennial giants whether it be in batting, bowling or fielding.

While Stars are able to present the likes of Arnold, Andre and Anthony Manders, Allan Brangman, Albert Steede and Jeff and Wayne Richardson, all of whom have either played for Bermuda or in Cup Match and each a household name, Nationals counter with a heap of lesser knowns such as Dennis Trott, Quinn Outerbridge, Bruce Perinchief and Brandon Woolridge who count one Cup Match appearance between them.

Nationals skipper Neil Speight is well aware of the tremendous talent gulf between the sides and admitted it would take nothing short of a minor miracle for his team to progress. But he remained upbeat about the challenge.

"Yeah, I know we're heavy underdogs, but we'll still go out there and give 100 percent, try to enjoy it and make the match competitive,'' said Speight, whose side will have to do battle without the services of leading strike bowler David Gibbs, out with an arm injury, as well as the duo of Mark Ray and Jason Lewis, each serving two game suspensions for failing to show up for a league match two weeks ago.

"Obviously they are one of the top sides and very powerful. All you need to do is look at the averages where they have four bowlers and also when you see that guys like (Gregory) Sampson and Doc Manders are not able to hold a place in the side along with Mark Trott that gives an idea of their strength.

"Still, we're looking forward to it and I think the public can also look forward to an entertaining match.'' To the challenger's credit they have improved a great deal from last year when they counted a solitary victory the whole season. This year already sees them with two wins from five matches, along with two draws and one defeat and seemingly on the right track.

"Who knows, anything can happen in a 50 over match, maybe we'll get lucky...know any good prayers?'' said Speight with a chuckle.

League action takes centre stage tomorrow with a full slate of matches scheduled, including anintriguing contest which has Police hosting Western Stars at Police Field.

Remaining matches witness Somerset entertaining St. George's, Cleveland facing Southampton at Sea Breeze Oval, Willow Cuts travelling to meet Devonshire, Warwick taking on Flatts at Southampton Oval, St. David's tackling Bailey's Bay at Lord's, Social Club going against PHC at Nationals and Somerset Bridge hosting Nationals.

A civil suit has been filed against Somerset Bridge Recreation Club by Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) demanding payment in excess of $1,000 for outstanding umpiring fees, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The two parties were scheduled to appear in Magistrates' Court yesterday to have the case heard. But while a representative of the BCUA was present in the court room, due to a procedural irregularity nobody from Bridge attended.

Reportedly the required summons had not been served on the West End club, causing the case to be adjourned until a later date.

The legal action is the latest episode in an ongoing saga that has already seen the BCUA begin a boycott of Bridge matches, causing the use of replacement officials.

Neither party could be reached for comment yesterday.