Youth enthusiasm will be key, says Douglas
Batsman Allan Douglas Jr believes the St George’s squad selected for Cup Match has the ability to wrestle the classic trophy from defending champions Somerset at Wellington Oval.St George’s have made sweeping changes to the side that surrendered the trophy last summer, with four colts set for their first taste of Cup Match action at the expense of veteran players.While it might seem a risky ploy by the St George’s selectors, Douglas reckons the young team’s enthusiasm could be a key factor in deciding who wins.“We know that we have to get them out twice, which is 22 wickets, and maximise our batting potential but it will come down to who wants it more on the day,” Douglas said.“On paper the team looks young and inexperienced but when you have youth and enthusiasm you always have a chance of producing something.“The first day is the most pressure and you have to make sure you don’t let the excitement and nerves get to you.“One thing I have learned is you go out there on the first day and just concentrate on winning the match for your community.“The fanfare and all that comes with the spectacle is good, but no one likes to lose and we are at home so it’s imperative that we make the most of this chance.”Axed from last year’s team are wicketkeeper Jason Anderson, spinner Delyone Borden, batsman Fiqre Crockwell and seamer Kyle Hodsoll.Replacing them are teenage debutants Christian Burgess, Zeko Burgess, Lateef Trott and Onias Bascome.Two other changes were forced upon the challengers with Glenn Blakeney and Stefan Kelly not available, paving the way for captain Oronde Bascome and OJ Pitcher to return.And Douglas, who will be playing in his fourth classic, is confident his team-mates are hitting form at the right time.“This will be my fourth Cup Match and I’m still young but have been in the trenches and had to dig deep to put the team in a good position,” said the Cleveland County player.“I just want to go out and help calm the nerves of the new guys that are coming in but they will be able to handle this.“Everyone is hitting form at the right time. Justin (Pitcher) is bowling as well as anyone on the Island, Onias and Christian just scored some runs, Lionel (Cann) is ticking over as well.“We all know what OJ can do, Treadwell (Gibbons) plays for Bermuda as well as Picnic (Rodney Trott) and to have the skipper (Oronde) back is a massive boost.“Add in Lateef who can make a difference, we are in with a shout, more than a shout really, to pull off a win.“Many would say it would be one of the biggest upsets in the history, but we feel we are poised to make a serious run at this and with the batting going how it is with the guys at their respective clubs, anything can happen.“The game is played on the field, not on paper or people talking.”