St George’s coach Clay Smith is firmly focused on assembling a strong side for the upcoming domestic cricket season.

The Premier Division 50 over and T20 knockout champions lost six players in the transfers released by the Bermuda Cricket Board, among them Cup Match captain Onias Bascome, who is heading to St David’s.

His older brother, Oronde, pace bowler Brandon Swainson and spinner Kevon Fubler, who was on loan at St George’s from Willow Cuts last season, joined him in calling Lord’s their new home.

Q’Shai Darrell, the St George’s Colts Cup Match captain who kept wicket during the latter stages of last season after Sinclair Smith got injured, has gone back to Cleveland County.

All-rounder Charles Trott, whose 2024 season was disrupted by a recurring broken metatarsal bone in his left foot, is switching to Pembroke Hamilton Club while Oyinde Bascome chose to pursue his career at Southampton Rangers.

“Players left for various reasons and I wish all of them success,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“They are all winners and know what it takes to win, and I expect them to carry that same mentality wherever they go. However, my focus is on the players that stayed and want to play for the badge.

“We have a strong core group of five players who we will build the team around. Sinclair Smith is the best wicketkeeper on the island and a very smart cricketer.

“Zeko Burgess is the leading fast bowler in Bermuda and his power hitting is phenomenal. Macai Simmons is the hardest-working cricketer, who has more heart and passion than any cricketer I know.

“Nzari Paynter is a talented all-rounder who had his best season last year, and will be looking to have an even better season this year.

“Last but not least, Jonté Smith is a professional-minded, talented all-rounder who also had a breakout season last year, scoring two centuries.

“One thing all these players have in common is a strong work ethic. They will set the standard for the remaining players, and they will not allow others around them to slacken.

“This is our DNA and we will rebuild again by bringing in some young players along with one or two seasoned veterans.”

The former Bermuda captain drew comparisons with a similar situation they found themselves in not so long ago, but were able to turn things around.

“If you recall a few years ago we lost six players during the transfer window and within a year we rebounded by winning the T20, then we went on to win it for three years in a row,” he added.

“On top of that, last year we were 50 over and T20 knockout winners. As a cricket club, we take pride in overcoming obstacles and defying the odds.”

Bascome’s departure raises serious questions about his prospects of leading Smith’s side in the Annual Classic this year. The East Enders hardly look outside the club when it comes to choosing a captain, although Lionel Cann was given the honour at the age of 46 while playing for St David’s in 2019.

Smith offered no comment when specifically asked about Bascome’s future Cup Match leadership position, a post he has held since 2021.

When sought for comment, Bascome stated he will speak on his St George’s departure when he is ready.