St. George’s Makes Changes For Cup Match
[Written by Don Burgess]
St. George’s, with this year’s significant changes, finds itself in a unique position. Only one player, Oronde Bascome, has the experience of being part of a Cup Match-winning team, a feat achieved back in 2011.
Oronde Bascome is the lone holdover from that 2011 winning squad.
The team made seven changes, four colts, as it tries to reclaim the Cup after more than a decade in the wilderness.
Over the past five Cup Matches, St. George’s has been on a quest, making an average of 5.6 changes per year in search of the winning formula. In contrast, Somerset has taken a more stable approach, making 3.4 changes per year.
This chop-and-changing also shows in both teams’ experiences. The St. George’s squad has played in 31 previous Classics since the last time the Eastenders possessed the Cup. Brothers Oronde and Onais Bascome have kitted up 14 times previously. Macai Simmons [7] and Zeko Burgess [6] are the only other Blue-and-Blue players who have appeared in a Cup Match more than twice.
The battle-worn Red and Blue have proven that staying with what works produces another veteran squad. This year’s version of Somerset exudes a strong sense of confidence and readiness, with key players like Terryn Fray, Tre Manders, Malachi Jones, and Derrick Brangman playing in at least 10 of the last 12 Classics.
With both teams showcasing their unique strengths and experiences, the question remains: who will be lifting the Cup on Friday? The youthful St. George’s or the veteran Somerset? The anticipation for the match outcome is palpable, igniting a sense of excitement and engagement among the audience.
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