ROBERT FOSTER, STAR Writer

National shooter Shantal Slater of Manchester Spurs and Clarendon Gaters' top defender and national captain Nicole Aiken-Pinnock will square off when both teams clash in the Berger Paints Elite netball league at the Leila Robinson Courts.

The highly anticipated match is set to tip off 6:15 p.m. It will be preceded by the opening game between St Ann Orchids and St James Sharpes at 6 p.m.

St Catherine Racers and defending champions Kingston Hummingbirds will clash in the final match of the evening at 7:30 p.m.

The feature game is expected to very competitive. Both teams are seeking vitals points as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Another interesting matchup of encounter will see national defender Vangelee Williams from Spurs facing off with national Under-21 player Simone Gordon from Gaters.

Former national defender Kasey Evering of the Gaters and the Spurs emerging star player Nicole 'Girly' Dixon in the attacking circle.

The Spurs are currently fourth in the standings with 12 points, three behind leaders Racers.

The Spurs are coming off a 52-39 win over the St Ann Orchids in their last game. Carline Graham, coach of the Spurs, said today's match is a very crucial one for her team.

"It is very important game for us because we have no intention of losing anymore because we want to be in the final," said Graham.

"We are extremely confident because we have a very strong centre court and that put us at an advantage over the other teams," she said.

Gaters, who have been having a good season so far, is coming off a 43-30 win over the Hummingbirds.