Two years after losing the Central Counties Cup to Western Stars, Nationals are back in the competition -- with captain Neil Speight playing down their chances of an upset.

They celebrate their return today after a one year absence when they travel to St. John's to take on the cup holders. The team is much changed from the one that Darrin Lewis led to an exciting victory over Police in the final of the 1991 competition, with only opening batsman Gary Knight remaining.

Nationals have lost all of their five league and cup matches so far this season and Speight knows it will be tough against one of the strongest teams in the league.

"I've said it will be a big upset if we were going to win,'' said Speight this week. "We are just pleased to be back in the competition once again.

This whole year isn't about wins or losses, it's about the success in getting the team going again.'' Nationals' cause has not been helped by the absence of main strike bowler David Gibbs who is injured, leaving Michael Campbell, David Wright, Graham Strange and off-spinner James Thomas to carry the brunt of the bowling responsibility in this 60-overs match that starts at 11 a.m.

"We are all looking forward to this game, it's a big occasion for us,'' said Speight. "Obviously we would like to do well but Western Stars are a good side with good bowlers.

"We are going to try and make it as competitive as possible although we will be playing without our main strike bowler. Most of the players were in the Commercial League last season and we know that we have to move up a grade in order to be competitive.'' Strange has been the team's top performer with the bat, the only one to pass the 50 mark so far. His opening partnership with Knight will be crucial for Nationals who have been hopelessly inconsistent in the batting department so far.

"Our batting has lacked a little bit of confidence with the inexperience that exists,'' says Speight. The bowlers, though, have done pretty good. We have created a few chances but haven't taken the catches and against good sides we will get punished.'' Still, Speight says he is satisfied with the showing of the team so far. "I'm pleased with what we've done. I know we have taken some losses, which we expected,'' he explained.

Stars will start the match as firm favourites and are not expected to have their title seriously threatened until they meet Devonshire and Police. With the likes of captain Arnold Manders, Gary Brangman, Andre Manders, Treadwell Gibbons, Gregory Sampson and Wayne Richardson they have the nucleus of a strong all-round team.

If Stars bat first, Nationals will likely be chasing a huge total after the 60 overs.

The draw for the Central Counties calls for the weaker team, usually Social Club, to play in the first round.

However, this year that spot was reserved for Nationals as the returning team.

The second round is scheduled for June 4.