We're pleased to be in the KO Cup semis

FRIDAY, JULY 13: We play Willow Cuts on Sunday in the KO Cup semi-final at St John’s Field. Somerset are taking on Bailey’s Bay in the other semi-final at Somerset.

It is very, very pleasing to make the semi-finals and be the last of four teams still in it.

I know the boys on Warwick are looking forward to playing Malachi Jones. He is one of the players they look up to and admire. Plus Willow Cuts are one of the top three teams in Bermuda.

I made the commitment early on that at least five Under-17s will play in every match, and that includes big games like this one.

The key for us this season is development and we are not going to sacrifice that for a win at all costs mentality.

If we win, that’s great, but the bottom line for Warwick is to teach the young players the proper way to play and you can’t do that by pulling them out of high-pressure games like this.

They have to be in there and know what it feels like.

Most of the people around the club accept this philosophy because they are looking at the long-term goal.

Sure, there are a few people who think we should put the best team possible on the field against Willow Cuts — like they do for any league match —, but that defeats the purpose of what we are trying to do and it would cause me to break the promise of playing at least five of the youngsters.

But the guys feel like they can win and we’ll be doing our best to do so.

Cup Match

St George’s Cup Match trials will continue on Saturday when we play Cleveland. The trial starts at noon and there will be 20 overs when we reach 6:30pm.

There are a couple of guys who are on the fringe who could factor into the team. Guys like Glenn Blakeney who is in training. If he is a fit, he can be an incredible part of our team. He is an entertainer and the fans love a player who can entertain. He is a great player who is trying to make the side.

Young Treadie Gibbons has been making some runs at the top of the order.

Chris Foggo could also factor in.