St George’s keen to get back to winning ways against Somerset
St George’s coach Clay Smith is confident his team can to get back to winning ways at the first opportunity when they host Cup Match rivals Somerset at Wellington Oval tomorrow.
The East Enders’ Premier Division 50 overs title hopes suffered a setback after a three-wicket defeat against St David’s, their first of the season, at Lord’s last weekend.
However, Smith has no doubts his team has the pedigree to quickly turn their fortunes around and come away with the desired outcome against Somerset.
“Every game in the Premier Division is competitive and Somerset are coming off a victory against Bailey’s Bay, so they will be on a high,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.
“They have some very good cricketers who we have to be mindful of.
“However, I back my team to bounce back at home and show some character by producing a very good performance to get us back on the winning track.
“We have been batting really good but there’s still room for improvement in our overall game and I challenge my players to bounce back by putting in a good all-round performance in all facets of the game.”
Somerset won by 51 runs in their season opener against champions Bay at Sea Breeze Oval last weekend and will no doubt be keen to capitalise on their solid start to the campaign.
St David’s will likewise be keen to preserve their unblemished record for the season when they host Eastern Counties rivals Cleveland County, who picked up their first win in their previous outing against Western Stars at Lord’s.
In the remaining top-flight match, Bay will continue their bid for a first win of the season away to Willow Cuts at Somerset Cricket Club.
Cuts are making their season debut, which has been delayed by nearly a month because of the unavailability of their home ground at Somerset Cricket Club.
Stars have the weekend off.
Weekend cricket action begins today with Southampton Rangers, who have yet to savour victory this season, hosting Bermuda Under-19 in the First Division at Southampton Oval.
In tomorrow’s remaining First Division fixtures, PHC put their unbeaten record on the line against hosts Devonshire Rec at Devonshire Recreation Club, while Flatts Victoria and Warwick will do battle at White Hill Field.
Somerset Bridge, who picked up their first win against Western Counties rivals Southampton Rangers at White Hill Field last weekend, have a bye.