January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Rangers should cope despite loss of World Cup players
Extended Limited Overs competition looks set to intensify this weekend
The new format will see double the number of one-day games with each side playing the other seven teams in their division home and away,
There’s already been a couple of early season games, but with the two-day league out the way, expect the competition to intensify this weekend.
Premier Division
Bailey’s Bay v St David’s
On Saturday at 11am
At Sea Breeze Oval
Despite the loss of Clay Smith and Dean Minors, St David’s look the likeliest challengers to Rangers’ dominance.
Arthur Pitcher is in fine form with bat and ball. He finished up with a batting average of 267 in the two-day league! He was assisted by three not-outs but still not bad going though.
Rodney ‘Picnic’ Trott was back in action for Bay last weekend and the young all-rounder should make a difference as they resume their challenge in the 50-over league.
After losing their opener they would not have wanted to face in-form St David’s ahead of Sunday’s clash with Somerset
Western Stars v Warwick
On Sunday at 11am
At St John’s Field
Warwick have most of their talented young players back on the island now and should provide a sterner test for Western Stars than they would have done a few weeks ago.
Stars are missing their national team trio and were hammered by Bailey’s Bay last week so it could be an opportunity for Warwick to spring a surprise.
They haven’t really hit their stride yet this season, though, so they’ll need Lamar Caines to be at his best with the ball if they are to have a chance
Bailey’s Bay v Somerset
On Sunday at 11am
At Sea Breeze Oval
Wendell White and Reid Jones will look to take advantage of any weariness from Bailey’s Bay’s bowlers who come into this match right on the heels of Saturday’s make-up game against St David’s.
Tony Cheeseman will also be looking to get back amongst the runs while in-form Jordan DeSilva will have another opportunity to enhance his growing reputation.
Bay can add Jim West to the list of players missing on national team duty.
Somerset are still looking for their first win in the Premier League after being promoted last season.
Southampton Rangers v Flatts
On Sunday at 11am
At Southampton Rangers Oval
After going through last season undefeated Rangers have started where they left off.
Teenage star Malachi Jones has been the toast of Southampton this week after captaining them to the two-day title.
But it is at the one-day game where Rangers excel and it’s hard to see anyone challenging them for their crown, least of all Flatts.
Rangers are missing a few players representing Bermuda but they have a strong enough squad to cope.
First Division
St George’s v Willow Cuts
On Saturday at 11am
At Wellington Oval
St George’s skipper Herbie Bascome is scheduled to manage his parish’s soccer team in the Heritage Cup this weekend, so whether he’ll manage to juggle that responsibility with turning out for the cricket team remains to be seen.
They could certainly use him. Herbie’s been in great form with bat and ball this season and his experience and presence in the middle are invaluable to this talented young team.
Oronde Bascome, Jade Foggo and Troy Hall are all in decent form for the eastenders, despite the loss to Rangers, and they should have too much for Cuts at the weekend.
PHC v St George’s
On Sunday at 11am
At White Hill Field
St George’s second game in as many days should be a good chance to continue their winning start.
PHC have lost both of their 50-over games so far this year and didn’t really make an impression in the two-day league.
Neil Anglin could cause a few problems with the ball but St George’s are already looking like promotion contenders.
Cleveland v Leg Trappers
On Sunday at 11am
At Wellington Oval
If Luke O’Connor can transfer his two-day form to the 50-over league then the expats should have a very good season.
They’ve had mixed results so far but O’Connor has been brilliant with bat and ball.
Nick Lucking has chipped in with some wickets and Stephen Drake has had a couple of good knocks with the bat.
For Cleveland Dennis Musson has been unstoppable with the ball in his hand and Kevin Shiell is in decent form with the bat. Should be an interesting game.
Devonshire Rec v
Somerset Bridge
On Sunday at 11am
At Devonshire Rec
Rec have started the season well and look likely contenders for promotion. Dean Stevens has been the top performer with bat and ball, while there have been key contributions from Ricardo Brangman, Derrick Brangman and Jodi Maroni.
Bridge have had some decent individual performances, most notably from Gino Smith, but have yet to get it together as a team and that first win remains elusive.
It will probably remain that way after the weekend.
Willow Cuts v Police
On Sunday at 11am
At SCC
Police relied heavily on Anderson Cummerbatch, last season and they are going to need him to get among the runs again this time if they are to avoid a long hard season.
Ken Pitcher had a decent game with the ball in their limited overs opener but no-one covered themselves in glory during a two-day campaign which saw them finish bottom of the second division, winless and pointless.
Willow Cuts fared only marginally better but they were in a tougher division. This is a game Cuts will feel they can win.[[In-content Ad]]
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