Tre Manders Backs Somerset To Retain Trophy
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Tre Manders has backed Somerset to continue their cycle of dominance over St George’s in Cup Match, citing their wealth of experience and winning mindset.
Despite being only 28, Manders, along with several of his team-mates such as Kamau Leverock, Dion Stovell, Chris Douglas, Malachi Jones and captain Jordan DeSilva, has been a reassuring presence for the holders for many years.
The batter enjoyed an unforgettable debut in 2012, helping Somerset win for the first time in ten years, dethroning champions St George’s after claiming a ten-wicket victory in front of their home supporters.
The coveted trophy has resided in the West End ever since.
“We’ve enjoyed a period of dominance since I made my debut, and that dominance could be positive or negative [going into day one on Thursday],” Manders told Bernews.
“We could get into a spot of bother if we have to ‘save’ the cup because we’ve never had to do that. We’ve always been on top.
“I expect St George’s to come at us hard and see how we react.”
Somerset have made two changes from the team that defeated St George’s by ten wickets last year, with seam bowler Macquille Walker and wicketkeeper Steven Bremar replacing Greg Maybury and Khiry Furbert.
“Macquille has had a great couple of seasons and taken his game to another level,” Manders said. “It would have been hard to overlook him.
“Steven Bremar had a good final trial match. He looked like he wanted it the most.”
With Delray Rawlins, the Bermuda captain, playing his first Cup Match since 2014, when he made his debut, the recall of Charles Trott and the inclusion of newcomers Brian Hall and Azendae Furbert, Manders believes St George’s will pose a significant challenge at Wellington Oval.
“It raised a few eyebrows when Delray became available [after parting ways with English county Sussex], said Manders, son of Andre Manders, who captained Somerset in Cup Match. “We expect him to play a big part for St George’s.
“Azendae has had an impressive season with Bailey’s Bay, and Western Stars all-rounder Brian Hall has had a few strong seasons.
“Brian has links with Somerset [he played Colts Cup Match for Somerset in 2013], so I hope the cricketing gods play their part and don’t let him do well against us!
“We know we must work hard to keep the cup, but I’m confident we can achieve our goal.
“We’ve been dominant for a long time, but our coach [Jeff Richardson] has ingrained in our minds not to become complacent.”
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