---

It has been five years since Somerset last won Cup Match. But the west enders have not been idle in that time. Somerset has put much time and effort into its youth programme and it has paid dividends.

A talented group of youngsters are pushing for inclusion in this year's Cup Match XI, many of them from the club side.

Club president Richard Scott said the club, and Bermuda cricket in general, was beginning to see the fruit of its investment in youth.

"There's a season and a time for everything.

"This is the season and time for SCC with attracting some of Bermuda's very good cricketers."

Scott believes he and his fellow selectors face a dilemma this year with so many quality players challenging for spots on the team. But he warned the youngsters would have to fight for their place, like everybody else.

He added: "It's definitely an opportunity to develop and groom a team that will wrestle the coveted trophy from St.George's and then hold on to it with victories, not draws, for a very long time."

Here James Whittaker takes a look at some of the contenders.[[In-content Ad]]Terryn Fray

The skipper of the Under-19 national squad, Fray is an old-school opener who puts a high value on his wicket. He has had some good knocks this year for both the Under-19s and his club b-side Bailey's Bay and has been earmarked as a player with the temperament as well as the talent for international cricket. With the impetus on Somerset to win the game, as challengers, the selectors may look towards more aggressive players at the top of the order, but Fray would be the ideal anchorman.

Deunte Darrell

All-rounder Darrell has looked the part for Willow Cuts this season, averaging 51 with the bat in six First Division games.

With a top score of 95 not out against St Georges club side and some telling contributions for the Under-19s he could be a useful addition to the middle-order. He is also a decent medium pace bowler.

Joshua Gilbert

One of the products of Somerset's burgeoning youth programme, Gilbert has already emerged as a key player for the club side and for the national Under-19s. He was one of the leading wicket takers in Open Cricket and a frontline bowler in the ICC Americas tournament last week.

He is only 15 and the selectors may decide they have enough experienced spinners to let him mature at club level for another year. But he is undoubtedly talented enough to trouble Bermuda's best batsmen and his time will come.

Greg Maybury

Promising swing bowler Greg Maybury may have only just turned 16 but there are few who doubt that he is a star in the making. He has been playing with English County side Leicestershire's youth squad this summer but is back on the island and available for Cup Match. Maybury, who attends the Oakham school in Leicestershire where Bermuda fast bowler Stefan Kelly learnt his trade, is also handy with the bat and a sharp fielder.

Jordan DeSilva

Left-arm fast bowler DeSilva made his Cup Match bow last year, taking three wickets.

He did well on debut, forming a lethal new ball partnership with Malachi Jones in the second innings and will be under consideration again this time

With a host of other options for Somerset and DeSilva struggling for wickets this season, nothing is guaranteed for the 19-year-old. But having already shown he can handle the pressure of the big stage, he may have the edge on his younger rivals.

Kevon Fubler

Pace bowler Fubler has been one of the leading wicket takers in the First Division with Willow Cuts this season.

He claimed eight scalps in Open Cricket and has proved equally dangerous in the limited overs game claiming ten victims in four matches.

The 17-year-old left armer may find his chances limited this year, however, as Somerset have such rich resources in the seam bowling department.

Tamauri Tucker

Tucker's flighty off-spin proved destructive at Under-19 level internationally and earned him a call-up to the senior squad.

He has been a fringe player for the senior team for over a year and has looked impressive on the occasions when he has been given a chance in the first XI.

The 20-year-old has had a difficult first season as skipper of struggling Cleveland in the Premier League but remains one of Bermuda's top spin bowling talents and will certainly be in the discussion after the final trial game next weekend. n

---