Two of Somerset Cricket Club’s most respected stalwarts are preparing to walk onto the Cup Match field one final time, bringing the curtain down on careers that have helped shape one of Bermuda’s greatest sporting traditions.
TNN News visited Somerset Cricket Club ahead of the 2026 Cup Match Classic, where veterans Malachi Jones and Dion Stovell reflected on their final appearance in the annual holiday classic.
For Jones, this year’s match marks an incredible milestone—his 20th consecutive Cup Match appearance since making his debut in 2006.
“I’m pretty excited, to be honest,” Jones told TNN News. “It’s been a long journey. I’m looking forward to being on the other side of the fence.”
The accomplished all-rounder hopes to end his Cup Match career on a high note.
“Oh, that’s the plan,” he said with a smile. “There’s a nice little track up for us to give myself the best opportunity to score some runs and go out with a little send-off.”
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jones even joked that if Somerset fields first, he hopes to take the opening delivery with the ball.
Reflecting on his two decades representing Somerset, Jones admitted he never set out to become a role model, but understands the responsibility that came with representing Bermuda at both the international level and in Cup Match.
“I never saw myself as a role model, but being involved in cricket on the international stage and Cup Match for such a long period, I understand it comes with the territory,” he said. “I just want the youngsters to keep the sport alive. I think cricket is sort of dying out, and I want these guys to keep playing.”
Jones also spoke warmly about sharing his farewell with longtime teammate Dion Stovell.
“Coming from Rangers, we both started together in 2006, so I thought it was only fitting that we went out together. We had the conversation together and made the decision together.”
As for one final message to Somerset supporters, Jones kept it simple.
“Come enjoy this festival. We’re looking for a victory, and hopefully we can make it happen.”
Standing alongside Jones will be another Somerset great, Dion Stovell , who says the time has come to step away from the game.
“It feels good, trust me,” Stovell said. “I think I’ve had enough. I think it’s time to call it a day. The sport’s been good to me, the people have been good to me, so I think it’s time.”
Stovell credited both mental and physical preparation for allowing him to compete at the highest level for so many years.
“I do my own personal training, I go for runs, I train and try to eat decent now and then. At the end of the day, it just takes mental toughness to focus and play two days of cricket in Bermuda.”
He also offered words of encouragement for Bermuda’s next generation of cricketers.
“Bermuda has a lot of talent,” he said. “If you work hard, you will achieve your goals. I don’t believe in entitlement. I came from an era where if you didn’t train and work hard, you didn’t play. Put the work in and you’ll get rewarded.”
While reluctant to predict how his final Cup Match performance will unfold, Stovell expects another fiercely contested battle with St. George’s.
“They haven’t had it for a long time, and I feel like they’re going to come hard, which they should,” he said. “For Somerset, we have a good team, but we have to be mentally and physically ready for whatever St. George’s brings to the table.”
Asked whether a farewell century would be the perfect ending, Stovell smiled and replied, “That would be incredible. But to be fair, I’d rather close out with a win than a century.”
As Somerset prepares to defend the Cup, this year’s Classic will carry added emotion, as two players who have given decades of service to club and country take their final bow. Whatever the result, the 2026 Cup Match will mark the end of an era for Somerset Cricket Club, with Malachi Jones and Dion Stovell leaving behind legacies that will inspire generations to come.
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