Who will step up for Somerset?

FRIDAY, JULY 6: Janeiro Tucker’s sudden retirement from Cup Match has left Somerset needing a big bat in the middle of its order.

Tucker is the all-time leading scorer in Cup Match and is surely one of the games all-time greats.

Afred Maybury, president of Somerset Cricket Club, said Janeiro’s shoes are big ones to fill, but said someone always steps up to the wicket after retirement.

“He brought a lot of explosive excitement to the game. He was a true talented batsman. With him not in the game, it doesn’t look as if there is someone as explosive ability, but we always have to remember that before Janeiro there were others.

“This provides an opportunity for the players who do play, to step up and be that explosive person. With the younger players we have — last Cup Match both teams were relatively young — there were players who had the ability to turn it on, on the day and show how good they are with the bat.

“I am certain that as we go forward that someone will step up and become the next Janeiro of today in making those runs.”

Maybury paid tribute to the contribution Tucker made to the game over the past two decades as he provided a spark amongst the fans whenever he strode up to bat.

“He brought excitement. Every time he walked up to the wicket the crowd had an expectation that he would perform.”

Maybury said it’s impossible to proclaim who the next Janeiro to be, that person will have to prove themselves in Cup Match and do it consistently year after year before the mantle can be properly passed on as the next great Somerset Cup Match batsman.

“Janeiro came with a long history of experience. You just can’t pick anyone to fill those shoes — that just doesn’t happen — but over time, with experience, someone will develop into the kind of player we actually need.”

Neil Paynter, president of St George’s said his club does not build their strategy around who is on Somerset’s team.

“It’s a decision Janeiro has made and we  folks from St George’s don’t focus on who is playing for Somerset. We concentrate on not only to defend the trophy, but to win it.”

Paynter said while he did get satisfaction at beating Maybury in the Pump It Up event for the new hospital at Harbour Nights on Wednesday, he was more pleased “with the support the people showed for the actual event.

“Within the whole banter of Cup Match it was wonderful (making him walk behind me), but Alfred and I are good friends. It just gives me bragging rights for that time.”

St George’s will hold their first Cup Match trial this Saturday.