Derrick Brangman has declared his eagerness to represent Bailey’s Bay again in the Eastern Counties Cup.

The 36-year-old St David’s captain has been named in the Bay side for the first time since 2017 for the first-round match against Cleveland County at Lord’s tomorrow.

In his debut season, the left-arm spinner stole the limelight as the left-arm spinner broke a 14-year-old colts’ bowling record when he picked up six for 40 against St David’s to surpass Jacobi Robinson’s five for 47 against Bay in 2003.

The Bermuda player was named man of the series after two man-of-the-match performanes and was awarded the Stanley Smith Trophy for spinner of the series.

“I can’t wait to get back out there and help Bailey’s Bay retain the Eastern Counties,’’ Brangman told The Royal Gazette.

“It feels good to be called back for Eastern Counties. This whole week I've been doing different things at Bailey’s Bay, such as team bonding, and it feels good to be back.

“There are good vibes in the team and we should have a good game this weekend. I’m looking forward to the game as it’s a big game for the Bailey’s Bay community and I’m looking to put my best foot forward.”

Brangman, who replaces last year’s guest player Malachi Jones, has been in brilliant form for St David’s in the 50 overs Premier Division, scoring 311 runs, with his best score of 127 not out coming against Willow Cuts last month.

The only other change for Bay comes among the reserves, where Jahre Blakeney replaces Jordan Burgess.

Bay have stuck with the bulk of the players selected for the final against Cleveland last year, with Gus Logie’s side retaining the trophy after that encounter was called off when strong overnight winds from post-Tropical Storm Idalia caused damage to infrastructure at Sea Breeze Oval.

Logie revealed that the decision to replace Jones was brought about by his unavailablility..

“This year Malachi has had some difficulties getting some time off from work and we understand that,’’ Logie said.

“We started training a few weeks ago with the red ball to get guys accustomed to it, so we've been preparing pretty well.

“I don’t think his quality [Brangman] can be questioned and I’m hoping that he’ll enjoy the atmosphere, fit in as well as he has with St David’s and do what he does best.

“Certainly his experience as a captain will put him in good stead to support the leadership that we have in place.”

The former West Indies coach, whose side are attempting to become Eastern Counties champions for the third time in a row, is not looking beyond the match this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to having a good game and hoping that the players will be able to execute their game plan and the team’s plan,’’ the coach said.

“We hope they have an enjoyable day, but we want cricket to be the winner at the end of the day, that’s all we’re asking for.

“It’s a different format and intensity and it certainly carries a certain importance. That’s why we need all the experience as possible to be able to handle that kind of game pressure on the day.”

Bay president Stephen Outerbridge has a chance to reach 1,000 runs in the competition after retaining his spot in the side, with the 41-year-old needing just two runs to reach to the milestone.

“I just want to win and after that I’ll be excited,’’ said Outerbridge, who has been playing in the Eastern Counties Cup since 1997.

“It’s been an honour and privilege to be still considered to represent the Bailey’s Bay community and my family.

“I’m looking forward to a very competitive match against Cleveland. There’s always some rivalry against our neighbours and I invite everybody to come in and enjoy the festivities.

“I’m sure St David’s have prepared for us to have a fantastic event on Saturday and the fans should come out in their numbers.