Somerset Wins 2024 Cup Match Classic
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Somerset are Cup Match champions after defeating St George’s by 227 runs to retain their trophy at Somerset Cricket Club today [August 2].
The holders dominated their rivals over the two days, scoring 345 for nine declared in the first innings, thanks to opening batter Kamau Leverock’s knock of 153, and bowling St George’s out for 110 in their first innings with spinner Dion Stovell taking seven wickets.
Somerset batted again rather than enforce the follow-in, amassing a quickfire 173 for eight declared, setting St George’s a target of 408 to win.
Initially, St George’s showed little resistance and were reduced to 76 for six before Macai Simmons and the injured Oronde Bascome put on 85 runs for the seventh wicket.
Simmons eventually fell for 80, trapped leg before by that man Stovell, who claimed five wickets in the second innings and 12 in the match.
St George’s were all out for 181 to hand Terryn Fray his first win as Somerset captain.
The challengers started the day on 80 for five, losing five quick wickets and were all out for 110 off 39.2 overs.
Stovell ripped out the heart of the St George’s innings, finishing with superb figures of seven for 27.
Opening batter Nzari Paynter top-scored for the East Enders with 35, with Marcus Scotland scoring 30 in his Cup Match debut.
Somerset decided to bat again and build upon their first innings lead of 235.
Leverock was the first man out, caught by wicketkeeper Scotland off the bowling of debutant seam bowler Luke Fulton for 26.
Tre Manders made 26 before he was caught by Paynter off the bowling of slow left-arm bowler Delray Rawlins.
Somerset were reduced to 130 for three when Fray fell two runs short of his half-century after being caught by Scotland off Jonté Smith’s bowling.
Wickets continued to tumble as Somerset looked to score rapid runs, with Stovell caught by Burgess off Rawlins’ bowling for 11 and Alje Richardson out for 25, caught by Oronde Bascome off the bowling of spinner Kevon Fubler.
Rawlins then removed Dominic Sabir for one, caught by Burgess, and Steven Bremar, caught by Onias Bascome for six.
When Fubler bowled Malachi Jones for 11, Somerset declared, setting St George’s a target of 408.
St George’s lost two early wickets, with Paynter caught by Manders off the bowling of Leverock for one and Scotland stumped by Bremar off the bowling of Brangman for one.
Rawlins did not last long, charging down to the wicket to Brangman and getting stumped by Bremar for nought.
Smith came to crease and wasted no time, racing to 46 before being caught in the deep, with game appearing to be nearing its conclusion before Oronde Bascome and Simmons showed plenty of appetite for the battle to frustrate the holders.
Once those two departed, Somerset made quick work of the remainder of the wickets, Stovell taking five for 62, and Brangman 4-52.
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Why did Somerset not enforce the follow on, why needlessly bat for a second innings? Weather could have saved St George’s and, as it was, there wasn’t much time left when the final St George’s wicket fell. Puzzling decision by the Somerset skipper to miss the chance of a 2 for 1.
The weather forecast was clear. They did it to extend the festivities, for the entertainment of the fans, for the vendors (including ticket sales), and for the culture. The day would have concluded at 3:00pm had they not.
Well done Somerset. All we heard from St George’s was how they had 4 out of 5 of the best bats in Bermuda. OK. Prove it but you need bowlers as well. So very sad but delightful for us Somerset fans. Go Somerset.
Glad we had a clear winner.
Thank you so much for the amazing coverage for every individual that put all the hard work into make it possible. Somerset thank you for my birthday present of a WIN and a PHENOMENAL WIN AT THAT! No question or doubt you guys came ready and are the creme de la creme! Wonderful sportsmanship from both teams, really living out the values of our community! I haven’t been able to come home since 2019 and every year I look forward to this coverage was so amazing to see the evolution in technology and flow of things! AMAZING JOB BERMY KEEPS UP WITH THE BEST OF THEM!!! This kind of coverage allows me to share my culture and no matter where I am for a brief time I feel like I’m home. I am so proud to call Bermuda home and can’t wait to be at the next cupmatch in person! Its truly no place like BERMY!!! Also was awesome to see some of my teachers Mr.Darrell I mean Minister – I learned the value of knowing my history and culture in his social studies class and that has stayed with me
and Coach Minors for the countless times he made us play cricket in gym class thank you because I really understand the game and can enjoy it!!
how smart St. George’s looked. A whole new approach needs to be considered or we will not see progress.