January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Cup Match / Somerset team profiles
Exciting youngsters look to make their bid for west end glory
But the west end selectors have put their heads together and selected a team packed with exciting youngsters. Chairman of selectors Mark Trott introduces the class of 2008.
Jacobi Robinson, 23
Somerset
All-rounder
Robinson, who followed in the footsteps of his uncle Jeff and father Wayne to play Cup Match, is Somerset through and through.
He grew up on the edge of the cricket ground and has been groomed for the captain's job from the moment he made his debut in the classic in 2004.
An explosive batsman and a dangerous seam bowler as well as a lively presence in the field, he'll look to lead from the front.
Trott said Somerset had no reservations about selecting such a young captain and insisted Robinson had plenty of wise-heads to turn to when the going got tough.
Cup Match stats: Batting: 41 runs, five innings, 10.25 average, 26 HS. Bowling: 72 overs, 10 maidens, 327 runs, 16 wickets, 20.44 average
Hasan Durham, 36
Vice-Captain
Left Arm slow bowler
Last year's skipper is the most experienced spinner in the classic this year. With 33 victims to his name he's high on the list of the all time leading wicket-takers in the classic and as one of the few senior players in a young Somerset team he will be relied on to provide maturity and a cool head.
Trott's verdict: "He's done it all - played for Bermuda, captained Somerset... He hasn't produced in the last few Cup Matches in terms of wickets but he is going to be called on to be a premier cog in our attack this year."
Cup match stats: Batting: 109 runs, 7 innings, 15.57 average, 43 HS. Bowling: 279.3 overs (8th), 56 maidens (12th), 887 runs (6th), 33 wickets (28th), 26.88 average
Chris Douglas, 18
Warwick
Left-hand bat, right-arm off-break bowler
The in-form opening batsman has earned himself a Cup Match call with some spectacular innings this year, including two blistering centuries.
Once he confirmed he was trying out for Somerset he was the obvious choice to replace Stephen Outerbridge at the top of the order. He's also a pretty useful spin bowler.
Douglas is actually from St David's but has played the bulk of his life at Warwick and is big mates with Malachi Jones. He also said the incentive of representing the challengers was another reason for heading west.
Trott's verdict: "He has a very sharp eye and plays with a lot of confidence. He's in great touch right now and if he hangs around the crowd should be treated to a delightful innings."
Cup Match stats: Colt
Dion Stovell, 23
Southampton Rangers
Right-hand bat
Long touted as one of Bermuda's best talents, a mix of injuries and other issues has prevented Stovell from fully reaching his potential.
He's likely to open the innings with Douglas in what promises to be an extremely aggressive Somerset top order. Stovell is having a great season at Southampton Rangers - the highlight being an unbeaten 86 and four wickets as his side claimed the BELCO Cup.
"He's just unbelievable when he is on. He can mix patience and aggression and can be totally explosive when he needs to be. I would think he's looking at that (his low scores in 2006) and will be trying to put it right."
Cup Match stats: 12 runs, 2 innings, 6.00 average, 12 HS
Janeiro Tucker, 33
Southampton Rangers
Right hand bat, right-arm medium
Still rated by many as Bermuda's most talented batsman, Tucker is already a Cup Match legend.
His 186 in 2001 stands as the best individual total in the history of the Classic.
He hasn't had a big score for a few years, though, and will be determined to show he is still "Mr Cup Match' on home turf this weekend.
"Along with Charlie Marshall he is the player that people come to Cup Match to watch. He's hitting a purple patch right now and he'll be looking for a big score."
Cup Match stats: Batting: 960 runs (6th), 19 innings, 53.33 average (1st), 186 HS (1st). Bowling: 98.3 overs, 18 maidens, 420 runs, 11 wickets, 38.18 average
Malachi Jones, 19
Southampton Rangers
Right arm fast-medium, right hand bat
Probably one of the most gifted youngsters in Bermuda, Jones is starting to hit form with bat and ball.
In the absence of Kevin Hurdle he'll have to play a major role with the ball and will open the attack. Still only 19, Jones is already in his third Cup Match and is one of the key members of the Somerset squad. "He's like the young old-man. He seems to have been around forever and he plays well beyond his years. He's our premier strike bowler."
Cup Match stats: Batting: 57 runs, 3 innings, 28.50 average, 36* HS. Bowling: 34 overs, 5 maidens, 118 runs, 4 wickets, 29.50 average
Jordan De Silva, 18
Somerset
Left-arm fast-medium, left-hand bat
The vice-captain of the Under-18 side that just returned from Barbados, De Silva is a talented left-arm quick.
He's been on the radar of the Cup Match selectors for a number of years and was an alternate selection last season.
"He's another youngster who seems to have been around for a long time.
He's really starting to reach his full potential now. We are not trying to put too much pressure on him but he has the chance of a lifetime and we're very confident he can deliver."
Cup Match stats: Colt
Del Hollis, 38
St. David's
Right arm off-break
The return of the veteran spinner was a surprise to some in the west end, but his record this year speaks for itself.
Hollis, a seasoned campaigner for St. David's has taken 12 wickets at less than 14-a-piece and in a young team his experience will be valuable.
"He's excited to be back, full of enthusiasm and ready for Cup Match. He's a wicket-taking bowler. I think we're pretty blessed in the spin department."
Cup Match stats: Batting: 41 runs, 4 innings, 1.67 average, 17 HS. Bowling: 42.4 overs, 6 maidens, 173 runs, 6 wickets, 28.83
Del Hollis, 38
St. David's
Right arm off-break
The return of the veteran spinner was a surprise to some in the west end, but his record this year speaks for itself.
Hollis, a seasoned campaigner for St. David's has taken 12 wickets at less than 14-a-piece and in a young team his experience will be valuable.
"He's excited to be back, full of enthusiasm and ready for Cup Match. He's a wicket-taking bowler. I think we're pretty blessed in the spin department."
Cup Match stats: Batting: 41 runs, 4 innings, 1.67 average, 17 HS. Bowling: 42.4 overs, 6 maidens, 173 runs, 6 wickets, 28.83
Ricardo Brangman, 27
Devonshire Rec
Wicket-keeper, right-hand bat
The Devonshire Rec and some-time Bermuda wicket-keeper earned his place ahead of Kwame Tucker after another solid season in the domestic league.
He's a specialist keeper, noted for his agility, and also plays in goal for Devonshire Cougars.
He follows in the footsteps of his father Ricky Brangman and his brother Derrick Brangman, who have both represented Somerset at Cup Match.
"He's also a naturally attacking batsman and the big day does not phase him."
Cup Match stats: Colt
Sammy Robinson, 32
Warwick
Right hand bat, right-arm medium
After scoring a blistering 59 on his debut, Sammy Robinson has had to wait a decade for a recall. August should be a good month for Robinson, who is getting married the week after Cup Match.
He's had a great season for Warwick after transferring from St. David's. He's a genuine all-rounder who can bowl medium pace or spin, bat anywhere in the order and is rated as one of the best fielders in the country.
Cup Match stats: 90 runs, 2 innings, 90 average, 60 HS
Azeem Pitcher, 27
Somerset
Left-hand bat
Pitcher has become a regular fixture in the Somerset line-up with his consistent batting, exemplary fielding and professional attitude.
He's another genuine athlete and along with Robinson and De Silva is rated by Trott as among the best fielders on the island.
"He's consistently scored in the 40s in Cup Match. He's disappointed he hasn't yet turned one of those scores into a fifty or a hundred but that will come.
Cup Match stats: 92 runs, 5 innings, 18.40 average, 43 HS
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