Central Counties champions Western Stars in their most important match of the season today.

Ferdinand Thorne resigned as skipper following last weekend's humiliating four-wicket defeat at home to Somerset Bridge, leaving Archer with the chore outwitting Stars at St. John's field (11 a.m. start).

Archer was tight-lipped when questioned about the appointment, only saying: "It's too early to respond right now.'' However, the new captain is looking forward to the clash, though he admits Stars are going to be a tough team to beat. "I expect a very competitive and closely contested game against Western Stars. During our matches they have held the upper hand over the last few years but we always have been competitive,'' said Archer.

"Stars are probably the best team around these days. They are a sound all-round team whose strength is their ability to play for a purpose...they seem to stick to their plan. We will have to play to our potential in order to beat them.'' Police, whose match in the Central Counties last year was rained out, suffered the biggest upset of the season when they scored 277 against Somerset Bridge who then scored 280 for six in reply.

"It was a tough loss to Somerset Bridge,'' Archer said. "The wicket was an easy-paced one and we just bowled badly. Our bowlers could find no decent line or length.

"For this weekend against Stars we will have Roger Blades back (he was off the Island last week) and he will be a tremendous addition to both our bowling attack and batting.'' Despite that shock loss Stars will not be taking Police lightly, Stars vice-captain Arnold Manders assured.

"I think with Tyrone Smith and Dennis Archer they have two of the most explosive bats in Bermuda,'' said Manders. "Also Leverock and Donovan Livingston had good knocks on Sunday. We'll have to get through their top order early to make out work easier.'' Stars have two players missing because of injury or unavailability but should have Anthony Foggo, who did not play in last weekend's first-round win over Social Club, back to boost their batting.

Roger Leverock pulled a hamstring while chasing a ball on the boundary last weekend against Devonshire Rec. while Hasan Durham, their top bowler in that match, will be abroad attending his graduation.

"So we'll have to make at least two changes,'' Manders said.

"This weekend will either make or break our season. We've had a good run, losing just three times in two seasons and true champions should be able to bounce back.'' DENNIS ARCHER -- Jumping straight into the oven against Western Stars in his first game in charge of Police.