Brian Hall ‘Super Excited’ To Play In Cup Match
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Brian Hall insists he never gave up hope of playing Cup Match and says he was “ecstatic” when named as a colt in St George’s team for the annual Classic.
Hall has impressed with bat and ball for Premier Division side Western Stars this season and, aged 31, believes he is well-equipped to cope with the pressures of the island’s most celebrated sporting spectacle.
The hard-hitting batter, among the island’s leading wicket-takers this summer, strengthened his claims for selection by scoring an unbeaten 38 in the final trial match at the weekend.
“I’m super-excited about [being selected],” Hall told Bernews. “I felt this year was finally my time to play Cup Match. This is something I’ll never forget.
“I’ve been performing consistently all season in the 50 and 20-over leagues and even the trial matches. I was pretty confident I was going to make it. I always knew it would happen one day.
“I’ve had about a thousand phone messages since being named in the team!”
St George’s have made four changes to their team as they bid to wrestle the trophy from holders Somerset.
Delray Rawlins, the Bermuda captain, who recently left English county side Sussex by mutual consent, will play his first Cup Match since 2014 when, as a colt, he scored 55 not out and claimed two wickets.
The East Enders have also recalled all-rounder Charles Trott and handed a debut to Bailey’s Bay opening batter Azendae Furbert.
Hall believes all-rounder Rawlins will significantly boost their quest to end Somerset’s decade of dominance.
“Delray makes a massive difference,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of match-winners in this team, and we have what it takes [to win].
“Hopefully, my form with bat and ball continues throughout Cup Match.”
Hall said he hopes to force his way into the Bermuda squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final Qualifier on home soil from September 28 to October 8.
The off-spin bowler has not played for Bermuda since the ICC World Cricket League Division Four tournament in California in 2016.
“I want to get back in the fold before I get too old,” he added. “I think I can make a difference.”
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