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Cup Match: Without Tucker, Somerset have no chance

Cup Match, the best of the best . . . In order for this to be true, my hope is that Janeiro Tucker and Dion Stovell both make themselves available for selection for the Somerset Cup Match team.As we all have been reading, there is far too much star quality missing. Without these two, I fear that the standard of this year's classic will not live up to the fans' expectations. Besides, beating Somerset with both Janeiro and Dion in the team would give St. George's a lot more pleasure.Personally, I have no doubt that Janeiro, the highest individual score record holder, will play Cup Match this year. There is no way that he will miss the classic.Somerset fans and cricket lovers just won't allow it. Janeiro will get Cup Match fever and he will play. Word has it that he has been up Somerset showing his face, so don't worry cricket fans, “Mr. Cup Match” will be there.He may have retired from local cricket because of the poor standard but Cup Match will always entice him and bring out the best in him.But if he isn't there, we St. Georgians can assure you that with or without Janeiro it won't make a difference and the outcome will still be the same.If one looks over the past few years, St. George's have had Janeiro figured out. He has struggled a bit in the classic and quite frankly he showcases different attributes which are favourable in one particular setting.When Somerset have the cup he quite easily settles down and is able to take his time building an innings and at this point he is unstoppable. However, due to Somerset not holding the cup, he is required to be more aggressive, becoming vulnerable and maybe a bit exposed.That has resulted in him not showcasing his absolute best over the past couple of years.So whether he plays or not, it won't make a difference in the result because St. George's have the cup and St. George's are simply too strong.Don't get me wrong, Cup Match needs Janeiro Tucker as just his presence alone brings a level of excitement to both sets of fans. I know after reading this Janeiro will be eager to prove me wrong, so the challenge is on to prove me wrong.Then there is Dion Stovell another outstanding cricketer with a wealth of talent who on his day can destroy any bowling attack. His presence will bring to Cup Match confidence, aggressiveness, competitiveness and an all-around ability with both bat and ball. If I were trying to win a cup back he would be one of the first players on my list. Somerset will want to select as many players who can both bat and bowl.Although I rate Dion highly, for some reason he has struggled in the Cup Match classic.He has failed to live up to the standard that we know he is capable of. If he hadn't scored runs at the international level, one could have said that he is incapable of making the adjustment from league to Cup Match, but that theory is out the window as he has proven himself time and time again on the international stage.So what's stopping Dion from performing at Cup Match? Is it over-confidence in his own ability, lack of respect for bowlers, lack of belief in his fellow team-mates, or pre-game preparation?There are many factors that could be hindering him from producing the goods for Somerset. Cup Match needs his star quality so I am really hoping he and Somerset can sort out their differences.If by some chance, Dion and Janeiro don't play, there are two outstanding young players, Tre' Manders and Shaquille Jones, who will be looking to fill the void of the veteran players.These two youngsters could be just what Somerset need as youth by definition in sports are fearless. I have seen both of these young men bat and they are both extremely talented. They have the ability to produce runs on the big stage providing they can hold their nerve.With all of the players that are missing, this should be Somerset's team in batting order if they are to have a remote chance of making a game out of it:Dion Stovell, Chris Douglas, Tre' Manders (colt), Steven Outerbridge, Janeiro Tucker, Ricky Hoyte (colt), Malachi Jones, Jekon Edness, Jordan DeSilva, Greg Maybury (colt), Justin Donowa (colt).Sorry, there should be no place for my mate Jacobi Robinson this year as I hear he is bowling spin and this team have three potential spinners, Dion, Chris and Tre'.Also, unfortunately I can't find a spot for Terryn Fray.Terryn is an awesome player, but his game is made for when Somerset have the cup, not when they are chasing it. I would select Tre' instead, simply because he is naturally more aggressive, he has had an outstanding season and he offers you another option as a bowler.Some may say why Ricky Hoyte?Ricky offers Somerset something they lack on the field and that is experience. Over the two days you have to be able to think batsmen out, not just run in and bowl. His vast experience could make a world of difference, especially since there is a lack of senior players in the Somerset team.When it comes to winning Cup Match you must always have bowling options.The good thing about this team I have picked for Somerset is that everyone in the team can bowl.If Somerset are to have any chance of winning, they must prepare a well-grassed pitch that will assist their fast bowlers.The wicket has to be very similar to the one prepared when Bermuda 2007 team beat MCC; Malachi Jones was unplayable that night. Anything different than a well-grassed track will not give Somerset a glimpse of hope as St. George's' batting is too deep and way too strong.For Cup Match, we all want to see two star studded teams, the best players playing against each other. So I really hope for the sake of the game that Janeiro and Dion make themselves available because the victory wouldn't be as sweet.Quote of the week: The time to relax is when you don't have time for it Sydney Harris