to the Camel Cup this weekend as St. George's go in search of a record fourth triumph as the season's first piece of silverware goes up for grabs.

Just two clubs have won the Camel Cup (which was played as the Premier Cup in 1987 and '88) but with defending three-time champions Devonshire Rec. failing to qualify, the opportunity is there for St. George's to become the most successful team in the competition, thus keeping the Camel Cup an `exclusive club'.

However, they face a tough semifinal clash today at Sea Breeze Oval when they take on last year's beaten finalists Western Stars, with highly-fancied Bailey's Bay taking on competition new boys Willow Cuts in the other semifinal at Wellington Oval. The final will take place tomorrow at St. David's, for the fourth time in five years.

The match between St. George's and Stars will get top billing as both teams are unbeaten in the league so far. However, St. George's know, from previous experience, what it takes to win the Camel Cup and could have a slight edge.

Both teams have reached three straight finals, but while St. George's won theirs from 1988-90, Stars have finished on the losing end the past three years, including a 1990 loss to the east-enders.

Stars also lost to St. George's in the competition's highest-scoring semifinal in 1989 after first scoring 254 for nine from 48 overs only to see their opponents reply with 255 for seven from 47 overs.

On the compact Sea Breeze Oval another high-scoring match could result, even though St. George's will again be missing their top run-getter from last season, captain Wendell Smith who is out with a knee injury.

Batsman Anthony Trott, though included in the St. George's team, is ruled out because of work commitments this weekend. Dexter Smith, will be looking for a good showing against his former Stars team-mates after a series of low scores in the league.

Arnold Manders has been in good form for Stars with both the bat and ball so far this season, though the defending champions have hardly had to exert themselves during easy wins over St. David's, PHC and Hamilton Parish in the league. This will be their biggest test so far.

Roger Leverock will be missing from the bowling attack due to work commitments but the team will welcome Allan Brangman's return from a shoulder injury.

Bailey's Bay, who have made three appearances in the competition, including reaching the first two finals, should be favourites over Willow Cuts at Wellington Oval in today's other match.

Cuts, the eighth team to qualify for the competition, will rely heavily on brothers Dexter and Richard Basden for their runs against a Bay bowling attack led by Terry Burgess, Noel Gibbons, Clarkie Trott and Jermaine Outerbridge.

Ricky Hill is expected to return after a few weeks off the Island to boost a batting line-up that is already rich with the likes of captain Chris Smith, Charlie Marshall, Noel Gibbons, Glenn Smith and Devrae Hollis all capable of producing good knocks.

All matches are 50 overs per side and will begin at noon.

ANTHONY TROTT -- Out of St. George's team.