Somerset vow to end Cup Match drought

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18: The heartbreak of last year’s agonizing defeat will propel Somerset to victory at Cup Match, according to club president Alfred Maybury.

It is now just over two weeks until the two bitter rivals go head-to-head in the 110th classic encounter.

And Maybury believes his side’s preparation has been more intense due to the pain inflicted by 2011’s nail-biting loss.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “We had the players to win it last year.

“Things just did not go the way they should have done right at the end.

“We have learned from that experience and we are determined to rectify the situation this year.

“Last year’s defeat will be a major spur for our guys because they know just how close they came to winning it.

“There’s a great feeling around the club at the moment and all the players want to put what happened last year right.”

Maybury told the Sun that home advantage would play a huge part if his team were to keep the silverware in Somerset this year and break a 10-year stretch without a victory.

And he insisted that a ‘result wicket’ would be prepared for the eagerly awaited contest.

He said: “The wicket will have something for the batsmen and the bowlers.

“I’m sure it will be a result wicket and that will suit our attack and our style of play.

“We are out there to win — nothing less.”

Maybury would not rule out the possibility that Janeiro Tucker could make a return to the Somerset squad, after the Cup Match star announced his retirement earlier this summer.

He said: “I have not seen Janeiro train with the squad yet.

“But if he comes along to train he will be in the mix like all the players that the selectors are looking at, at the moment.

“There may well be a couple of surprises in our line-up this year.

“We have some talented youngsters and plenty of experience too.

“It will be a tough choice for the selectors when they announce the side at the end of the month.”

Meanwhile Maybury’s counterpart Neil Paynter was bullish about his team’s chances and insisted that last year’s MVP Stefan Kelly would be available for selection.

The St George’s Cricket Club president said that the trophy would be coming straight back to St George’s after the match.

He added: “We are confident about our chances.

“We are going to have some changes but there is a great feeling amongst the players right now and they know they are going to have to step up to the plate when the game begins.

“Cup Match is a great opportunity for everyone and it shows the best of the players and also the fans.

“It is sure to be a great occasion.”