January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
'Our youngsters can come through'
Clay says under-19 seam bowlers will have to step up for St. George’s
'Our youngsters can come through'
Foggo has transferred to nearby St. David's while Bascome has returned to his old stomping ground at Devonshire Recreation Club.
Their departures have left St. George's short on seam options, but coach Smith has faith in those who will step into the breach to fill the void.
He said: "From a bowling aspect Gregg and Herbie bring a lot to the team. But on the flip side of it this opens up the opportunity for some of our youngsters to come through.
"We have some youngsters who are playing with the Under-19s (Bermuda) that are of very good quality and so now is the time for them to come through."
If it was any compensation for the losses of brother-in-laws Bascome and Foggo, St. George's picked up former wicketkeeper Dean Minors and hard hitting batsman James Celestine to solidify their batting order.
Veteran batsman Smith also intends to make a few appearances this season, particularly during the early part of the season until skipper Oronde Bascome reports for duty.
"I may play some matches at the beginning only because our captain is off the island as of now until mid-June," he said. "I will probably play the games I think are necessary until he comes back. But it also depends on how my knee is making out.
"I will pick and choose my games basically and once he (Bascome) comes back I will hand the reins over to him and focus on coaching."
Smith's first season back with St. George's ended on a sour note last season after the East Enders were pipped by Willow Cuts on run rate for the final promotion spot.
He said: "Last year we came extremely close to promotion. On one hand we were depressed but on the other we really didn't mind because we have a lot of youngsters that we are grooming at St. George's and felt that the extra year in the First Division will give them more experience and confidence."
Smith has high expectations for his team this year, with promotion at the top of the agenda.
He said: "Promotion is definitely on the cards this year. This year we have picked up three or four senior players to come in and add a good balance. We are definitely looking to get promoted this year."
The 2010 domestic season officially gets underway tomorrow, with Cleveland County hosting Somerset Bridge at Sea Breeze Oval and Western Stars taking on Warwick at St. John's Field.[[In-content Ad]]
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