Devonshire Rec. hoping they can complete the `cycle' against the reigning Central Counties champions when they meet today at St. John's field.

After taking a hiding from Stars at Southampton Oval in the semi-final of the Camel Cup, Devonshire improved dramatically for the second meeting, one which highlighted the shortcomings of Stars' middle order batsmen.

Today, confident and strengthened by the addition of the likes of Mark Ray, Donald Norford and Anthony Amory, Devonshire feel they are capable of recapturing the title they lost to Stars back in 1992.

This time the roles are reversed. Whereas during aforementioned period Stars lost in the Camel Cup to Devonshire a month earlier and came back to exact sweet revenge in the County championship, Rec. clearly are the underdogs this time around.

Last year saw Stars overwhelm their opponents in the final, but cracks have appeared in their armour, and of particular concern is the lack of consistent form shown by veterans Jeff Richardson, and brothers Arnold and Andre Manders who are counted on to produce the bulk of the runs.

None are included in the top 20 list of batting averages. Instead Stars are led by Gregory Sampson with a scoring rate of 38.50 and Treadwell Gibbons (38.00).

Their spin-dominated bowling attack is solid with Hassan Durham, Wayne Richardson and Arnold Manders each getting among the wickets. But their pace bowling has been weakened considerably by the loss of Allan Brangman through injury, although they should still have enough firepower to contain in this 60 over affair.

Meanwhile, an on-form Albert Steede appears to be relishing his time at Devonshire having got over the distraction of the on-again, off-again move to St. David's and had the shackles of the captaincy removed. The Bermuda national team skipper is fifth in the batting averages, batting at a 61.50 clip.

New skipper Anthony Edwards is yet to make a significant impression in his first year at the helm and could go some way toward establishing himself as a noted leader with a victory today.

Bailey's Bay are hoping to continue their early season success in the Premier League when they travel to the West End to take on Somerset in a top of the table clash tomorrow.

The men from Sea Breeze are the only side with a perfect record after the first five weeks of the season and face a Somerset team that although placed high in the standings have yet to show championship form.

Possibly the most intriguing clash takes place at Devonshire where the home side is set to entertain third placed Cleveland.

Other matches have Nationals hosting Western Stars, Hamilton Parish taking on St. George's, Warwick travelling to meet Willow Cuts, PHC facing Somerset Bridge, Southampton tackling St. David's and Police visiting Social Club.

JEFF RICHARDSON -- yet to find his batting form with Western Stars this season.