Somerset Captain Terryn Fray On Cup Match
Terryn Fray believes Somerset Cricket Club have the depth and winning mentality to extend their 14-year reign as Cup Match champions when they face challengers St George’s at Somerset Cricket Club.
Somerset have made three changes to the side that drew with St George’s at the Wellington Oval last summer, with colt Jaden Manders, Jermal Proctor and Kwasi James replacing Alex Dore, Dalin Richardson and MacQuille Walker.
“We’ve got ourselves into a good groove,” Fray told Bernews.
“We’ve got some really good players, and it makes it easy because we have so many guys to pick from.
“A lot of guys have been doing well for their clubs, and that transitions into Cup Match.”
Opening batter Fray, who also captains the Bermuda national team, said Somerset’s wealth of talent has helped maintain their success.
“A few people have asked me about complacency; however, I always say we have a number of natural winners – Dion Stovell, Malachi Jones, Kamau Leverock and Derrick Brangman,” he said.
“You don’t have to coach our guys; it’s just a case of managing them. That’s the beauty of where Somerset is at.
“If we can keep producing that calibre of player, we can do well in Cup Match for a number of years.”
Although excited to be back on home soil, Fray said the venue itself will not be the deciding factor.
“The home venue doesn’t matter too much – the atmosphere is still the same,” he said. “Both sets of fans will still be there.
“The biggest difference is playing on a wicket you don’t know how it will play [when you're the away side], whereas this year, we know exactly how the wicket has been prepared by our groundsman,” Fray said.
“We’ve been able to train on it and have trial matches on it.”
Fray, who is a product of Bailey’s Bay, said he has always felt welcomed by the Somerset community.
“Somerset have taken me in as one of their own, even though I’m not from there,” he said.
“I always feel the support and love when I make my way up there before Cup Match.”
“I feel right at home. I can feel even more love up at Somerset than Bailey’s Bay!
“There’s pressure to win, but from the supporters it’s all love.”
Fray hopes the weather allows both teams to put on a spectacle.
“Hopefully, we can have a good few days and the rain stays away as much as possible so we can entertain the people of Bermuda,” he added.
