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They are good mates off the pitch and opening partners on it. But St. David's duo Fiqre Crockwell and Chris Foggo look to be the main rivals for the St George's Cup Match gloves.

The pair have been rotating wicket-keeping duties for the Islanders all season. And both have hit form at the right time.

Foggo played his best innings of the season, stroking a half-century against Bailey's Bay in the Eastern County match on Saturday.

Then Crockwell went 50 better on Sunday, blasting an unbeaten hundred to inspire St. David's to a league victory over Western Stars.

St. George's club keeper Jason Anderson could still come into the Cup Match reckoning, but with Dean Minors sitting it out, it is Foggo and Crockwell that have staked the strongest claim for his spot.

Crockwell said he was delighted to have scored his first ton and hoped he had put himself in the frame for the classic.

"That was my first hundred ever, in any kind of cricket. I was very excited to get it," said the 22-year-old.

"Hopefully I'm in contention. I'm serious about Cup Match this year and hopefully I've got my foot in the door."

Crockwell, who credits a more patient approach for his improved form this season, cites fellow keeper Foggo, along with former national team gloveman Dean Minors, as his favourite local players.

"They are both guys that I look up to," he added.

Foggo, who was Cup Match MVP in 2005 before being replaced by Minors last year, said he was also keen to make a comeback at the classic. But he insisted he would be happy if his young protégé got the call-up.

"We are mates, you know. I try my best to help him along in his batting and his wicket-keeping. I don't think it would work if we were in competition with each other, we have to work together and

"I like Fiqre and I like the way he plays his cricket. I won't comment on how I would feel if he was selected ahead of me but him being picked would be good for St David's.

"We have a plethora of players that could get selected. We've got spinners, pacers and batsmen who are playing well. Half the side could come from St David's."

Foggo, 25, sees no reason why both he and Crockwell could not get selected.

"When I started my Cup Match career, I was in as a batsman and Dean Minors was wicket-keeper so that could happen.

"St. George's have got so many good players, though. They are on the rise right now."

Crockwell added that at the moment St. David's was a great place to play cricket.

"It's a very good atmosphere. We all came up as young players together and have gone on through the ranks. The main target now is the league title. I think this could be our year."[[In-content Ad]]

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