With just days remaining until the island’s most anticipated cricket spectacle, the annual Cup Match, the challengers from St. George’s Cricket Club have made their intentions clear. Coach Clay Smith, speaking to TNN’s Trevor Lindsay, outlined the club’s strategy, recent changes, and his belief that this could be the year they reclaim the cup.
•Two Injuries, One Skipper Return Prompt Changes
St. George’s enters the 2025 Cup Match Classic with three team changes, two of which were forced due to injury. Luke Fulton and Oronda Bascome were ruled out, making way for promising young all-rounders Luke Horne and Isaiah O’Brien.
“They’re two very promising young all rounders,” said Coach Smith. “We also had to make room for our skipper, Sinclair Smith, which meant Jared Richardson was left out. He’s still very much in our plans—just not for this year.”
•A Balanced Attack with Bowlers to Spare
While defending champions Somerset lean toward a batsman-heavy strategy, Coach Smith is backing a seamers-heavy bowling lineup to exploit the conditions at Wellington Oval.
“We’ve got five seamers, two left-arm spinners, and a right-arm off-break bowler. Only two specialist batsmen and our wicketkeeper,” Smith explained. “It’s a strong, balanced team. But we know it comes down to holding catches and minimizing mistakes.”
He emphasized a key point that could define the match: “Drop catches lose matches. We dropped six or seven in the final trial. That can’t happen next week. We need to take every chance.”
•Reading the Pitch, Playing for Day Two
Unlike Somerset’s traditionally batting-friendly wicket, Smith believes the home ground advantage gives St. George’s a strategic edge.
“The Cup Match wicket will have more life. It won’t be a road,” he said. “We’re preparing a bowler’s wicket to back our seamers. If we can get the conditions right and bowl well, we’ll give the crowd some exciting cricket.”
Smith acknowledged Somerset’s dominance in recent years but remained optimistic: “They’ve had our number with bat and ball. But this year, we’re focusing on day one. We have to give ourselves a real shot going into day two. That’s been the difference in the past.”
•Closer Than Ever
St. George’s is still technically rebuilding, but Smith believes the pieces are finally in place.
“I thought last year’s team was good, but this one is even better. With the young talent we’ve brought in and the depth in our bowling, I honestly feel we’re getting closer and closer. I’m hoping this is the year.”
With a fired-up squad, home-field advantage, and a coach who believes the tide could be turning, St. George’s is ready to challenge Somerset for Bermuda’s most prized cricketing honor.
•St. George’s Cricket Club Cup Match Team 2025
Sinclair Smith – Captain
Macai Simmons – Vice Captain
Jonte Smith
Nzari Paynter
Delray Rawlins
Zeko Burgess
Onias Bascome
Luke Horan – Colt
Isiah O’Brien – Colt
Marcus Scotland
Kevoon Fubler
Reserves
Aaron Paynter
Keegan Jones
Luke Fulton
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