St.George's star batsman Glenn Blakeney yesterday defended his club's decision to choose teenage leg spinner Tre Govia over seasoned warrior David (Chick) Adams and all-rounder Justin Pitcher for this year's Cup Match in the West End.

The inclusion of Govia – one of the youngest colts to appear in the annual classic – has not gone down too well in the East End, especially since he was outshone by Adams and Pitcher who produced better performances with the ball during the champions' final trial match at Wellington Oval on Saturday.

Seamer Pitcher wreaked havoc with the new ball on the way to returning superb figures of five for 16 off ten overs with three maidens while veteran wrist spinner Adams took two for 50 off 13 overs.

Govia took one for 100 off 12 overs after coming in for harsh treatment from Charlie Marshall and Blakeney who both struck half-centuries.

But despite the youngster being put to the sword, the St.George's selectors showed faith in the promising bowler who, like coach Noel Gibbons, will debut in the classic at the tender age of 15.

Blakeney, who is set to make his first appearance in four years, has backed the selectors' decision to pin their hopes on Govia – but did admit that he too was "surprised" to see the likes of Adams and Pitcher get snubbed.

"I was surprised to see both of them get overlooked, but the selectors have their reasons. I was surprised Chick (Adams) wasn't picked because he didn't bowl bad on Saturday and is still one of the best bowlers on the Island," he told The Royal Gazette.

Blakeney reckoned Govia, who recently represented Bermuda at the Sir Gary Sobers International Schools Tournament in Barbados, will rise to meet the challenge later this week.

"Tre doesn't fear anyone and I know he is going to be up for the challenge. The maturity this little kid is showing for his age is incredible," he said.

On paper St.George's have assembled a team Blakeney described as "well balanced" and capable of not only holding onto the coveted cup – but also beating Somerset on their home turf.

"We have a very balanced team that has experience mixed with youth and has what it takes to win a outright," he reasoned. "Lionel Cann is a very aggressive captain and he is going to go all out for a win from ball one."

St.George's will be without Somerset nemesis George O'Brien jr who heads off to Ireland today with the senior national squad. But in Gregg Foggo, who claimed three for 13 off six overs with three maidens during Saturday's final trial match, and Ryan Steede, Blakeney believes the champions have a good new-ball combination.

"George (O'Brien) is always going to be a big miss with the speed and aggression he brings to the table. But we do have other guys capable of doing the job in Gregg (Foggo) and Ryan (Steede)," he said.

Stylish left-hander Blakeney has come in to solidify St.George's' top order in the absence of Chris Foggo, James Celestine and OJ Pitcher and says he's prepared to bat wherever his services are most needed.

"It doesn't make any difference . . . I'll bat wherever my captain wants me to," he added.

Blakeney said he was confident the cup will return to the East End on Friday evening but has warned his team-mates not to take a "youthful" Somerset line-up for granted.

"Somerset have picked a very young side but they still have a few veterans in their team like Janeiro (Tucker) and Hassan (Durham) and so it should be a good game," he said.

"Janeiro is always a threat and they also have Dion Stovell who can turn it on at any moment. You also cant count out Azeem (Pitcher) because he is a very good batsman."