Can Somerset break 30-year Wellington Oval jinx?

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27: A youthful Somerset side take the challenge to St George’s on their home turf.

With Jekon Edness in his first year as captain, can the challengers finally emerge victorious in the east?

Coach Ricky Hoyte talks James Whittaker through the selections for this year’s game.

Jekon Edness, 27
Right-hand bat
Wicketkeeper
Captain

One of the best glovemen on the island, Edness takes on the captaincy for the first time.

Described by his coach as an ‘instrumental figure’ with good leadership qualities, the wicket-keeper batsman has a point to prove with the bat.

“He’s one of the best keepers on the island. His average with the bat (at Cup Match) is not as good as it could be and I hope he’ll be looking to change that,” added Hoyte.

Edness said he was excited for his first Cup Match at the helm and promised his team would fight for the win.

“Hopefully things go our way if not we will fight until things do go our way,” he said

Stephen Outerbridge, 28
Left-hand bat
Vice-captain

After a season plagued by injury, Outerbridge comes into this game still working to recover his best form.

The classy left-hander has been one of Bermuda’s most consistent batsmen over the years but it remains to be seen if he can pull off his best form at Cup Match.

“He should be fit for the game. He’s a very important part of our middle order,” said Hoyte.

With only one Cup Match half-century to his name in his career so far, Outerbridge has yet to carry his superb international form into the local game’s biggest event.

He has the talent to change that this year.

Janeiro Tucker, 36
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium

Top average, highest score and now closing in on the most runs in Cup Match, Janeiro Tucker is likely to end his career with every record in the book.

No wonder Hoyte rates him as the key to victory for Somerset.

“He’s the man we need to perform. When he plays well he carries the others along with him.”

He’s the prized wicket every St George’s bowler will be gunning for.

Tucker would need 127 runs over two innings in this year’s game to break Charlie Marshall’s record as the all-time top scorer in the classic.

Malachi Jones, 22
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium fast

Perhaps the most naturally talented player on either side, Jones has the potential to be a match winner for Somerset.

During last year’s washout he excelled with bat and ball and the westenders will look to him for quick wickets and fast runs.

“He’s a very talented guy and one of our most important players,” says Hoyte.

Jones has come on in leaps and bounds since he emerged as an exceptional but raw talent at the 2007 World Cup. Bowling with more control and accuracy he is now the figurehead of the west end attack.

Jacobi Robinson, 26
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium-fast

After losing the captaincy following last year’s washout, Robinson may have a point to prove.

Hoyte said he hoped the freedom from responsibility would bring the best out of the explosive all-rounder.

“He’s the type of player, when his back is against the wall he could come good. He’s the type of player who can take the game away from you in a matter of minutes.”

Robinson also has the pace to take the new ball if required and along with Jones and Hurdle will be expected to play his role in a deadly pace attack.

Deunte Darrell, 18
Right-hand bat
Right-arm offbreak

Top scorer and MVP as a 17-year-old last year, Darrell announced himself on the big stage in Somerset.

The test will now be to see if he can repeat his heroics in the east. Darrell scored a game-high 72 last year and is rated by Hoyte as a top prospect.

“He is a confident player and he showed what he can do when he is on form last season.”

Joshua Gilbert, 17
Right-hand bat
Right-arm off-break

The youngster is the only specialist spinner in the Somerset side and will be expected to bowl a lot of overs if the wicket turns at Wellington.

It is testimony to the faith the selectors have in this 17-year-old prospect that they are backing him to do just that. “He has a great attitude, he’s a very good listener and an excellent, accurate bowler. If the pitch is taking spin we expect him to be on point.”

Dion Stovell, 26
Right-hand bat

After a century in the final trial game and a good run of scores for Bermuda earlier this year, Stovell is looking in good shape.

Could this be the year he turns his enormous potential into big runs on the big stage?

“He can be one of the most destructive players on the island,” warned Hoyte.

Kevin Hurdle, 34
Right-hand bat
Right-arm fast

Seamer Hurdle makes his return to the fray for the first time in four years.

On his day the experienced pace bowler can be devastating. He will form a dangerous new ball attack with Malachi Jones.

“He’s a hard worker who will give his all,” said Hoyte. “We are looking for a good Cup Match from Hurdle.”

Kamau Leverock, 16
Left-arm bat
Left-arm medium

CUP MATCH STATS
Colt

Big things are expected of 16-year-old Leverock who follows in the footsteps of his famous uncle, Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock to represent Somerset.

A dashing all-rounder who plays with flair and aggression, Hoyte insists he is in the side for more than just experience.

“He should go into this game with real confidence. It’s the same players he’s been up against week in, week out. “We are expecting results from him. That’s why he’s been picked.”

Terryn Fray, 20
Right-hand bat

CUP MATCH STATS
Colt

A likely candidate to open the batting for Somerset, the former Bermuda Under-19 captain has been on the brink of selection for a number of years.

But he played his way into the side with a hundred in the final trial game. He’s a steady presence in a side of explosive talents and could be earmarked for the anchor role.

“He’s one of the most technically sound openers in Bermuda,” said Hoyte.

“He picked himself with that century at the weekend.”