for the popular Christmas and New Year's tournament.

That is the possibility facing first-time winners Somerset this weekend as they take on Devonshire Colts tomorrow to decide who go into the hat with Boulevard, North Village and Dandy Town for the draw for next Thursday's first round.

Winning this competition has long been a difficult task for the Trojans, who finally put that jinx to rest on New Year's Day when they beat PHC 2-0 in the second leg of the final at St. David's.

Beaten finalists PHC have already failed to qualify and unless Somerset conquer Colts by more than two goals at Frog Lane field in tomorrow's top match they, too, will give this year's tournament a miss. Colts need just a draw to book the last spot.

Last season Boulevard, as champions from 1991-92, failed to get into the top four before the Christmas break and had to sit out the tournament.

However, this year they should go in as the top qualifiers and on current form will be the favourites for a second triumph.

Presently, Boulevard lead the Coca-Cola First Division standings by two points over both North Village and Dandy Town. Boulevard are at home at St. David's to revived Vasco who hit back from the firing of coach Danny Seymour on the weekend by hammering St. David's 7-0 in the Friendship Trophy on Thursday night.

However, Boulevard will not be giving up goals so easily as they possess the strongest defence in the division having conceded just two goals in eight matches. Vasco, after taking five points from their first three matches, have slipped to eighth in the standings with four defeats in their last five outings.

The relegation battle -- for the second spot at least -- is already shaping up with PHC, Vasco and Southampton all on six points, two behind St. George's and Somerset.

Rangers face a tough home match tomorrow when they take on North Village for the second time in five days.

Village beat Rangers 1-0 in midweek in the Friendship Trophy but things could be different as Rangers put their emphasis on trying to avoid a quick return to the Second Division.

Dandy Town are at home to a St. George's team who give few goals away and score even less. They have managed to find the net only three times in eight league matches, though each goal has brought them a victory.

Captain Neil Paynter will be busy in the heart of the St. George's defence as he goes up against his former team-mates for the first time since returning to the east end.

PHC should take an important step away from the relegation zone when they entertain bottom team St. David's in the remaining match. The Zebras have struggled in the first half of the season but a second straight win would strengthen their survival hopes and give them something to aim for in the new year.

However, it must be noted that St. David's first victory last season came at the expense of PHC.

For the second straight week, Second Division leaders Devonshire Cougars will take on the second-placed team. This time, BAA will be the opponents as Cougars bid to keep their top spot over the Christmas break.

BAA moved a point behind the leaders after Cougars and Wolves drew 1-1 last weekend. And if they succeed where every other team has failed this season -- namely beating Cougars -- they will find themselves alone at the top by a point come tomorrow evening.

The opportunity is there for Wolves to close the gap on the front two as they take on mid-table Social Club at Devonshire Rec.

Other matches see fourth-placed Prospect hosting Somerset Eagles at Police field and Paget taking on Hamilton Parish at Southampton Oval.