It is Cup Match time in Bermuda and this week I want to focus on the two captains Oronde Bascome and Jekon Edness. The captain is often called the “Maestro”, or the “Tactician”. The captain’s role is to outsmart the opposition, and to be one step ahead. This means being proactive rather than reactive. With two young, relatively new captains, who are both eager to give the fans what they want, a victory, Bermuda could be in for a treat this Cup Match.In St.George’s, Oronde is the guy who runs the show on the field. In just two years of captaincy I have seen Oronde’s thinking processes grow as a captain. He is calmer and more intelligent with his decision making, ingredients of a good captain. Oronde is currently off the island with the national team, but he took time out of his busy schedule to answer the following questions.Q: How have the preparations been going this year in St.George’s?A: Preparations so far have been awesome. The potential players have been training really hard and performing at a really high level during our first two trial matches. Our coaching staff is of a high quality (Clay Smith, Herbie Bascome, Wendell Smith, and Clevie Wade) and this is encouraging players to put the work in to get into this side.Q: Does the thought of winning at Wellington Oval make you want to get a victory even more this year?A: Definitely, I believe that the fans and community of St. George’s deserve a victory this year and we will do everything possible to make that happen. This year we are looking to play some positive and aggressive cricket. As a captain, last year for the first time, I was not really satisfied with retaining the trophy in the manner of having a draw. So this year we will make a big effort in pushing for a win.Q: With the team being picked tomorrow night what do you foresee as the biggest selection headache?A: I believe there will be a lot of headaches tomorrow night. There have been many players playing at a high level this season, but I believe ourbiggest headache will be picking our bowling team. We have a wide variety of bowlers to choose from and each player has their own reason why they should be picked. That is not to say that is the only headache. We have many batsmen also vying for a spot this year, and we also have four potential wicketkeepers of high quality that can be behind the stumps for the classic. Overall, this year we have been blessed with a good group of players and fortunate enough to have them working hard to get in the side. Whatever side we do decide to go with I can honestly say will be the best side that can get the job done.Q: Dean Minors has said he will make himself available for selection if asked, how do you feel about Dean possibly making a return?A: Dean has had a very explosive season thus far and it really looks like he has caught the bug to play again. For him to play will only be a positive.Q: Somerset will be coming to Wellington Oval looking to wrestle the trophy from you, what do you see as your biggest challenge this year?A: I believe that our biggest challenge this year will be for us to stay focused on the task at hand. Somerset has a very talented group of players and they are very capable of winning this title. However, at the same time, I believe that we are the favourites and I look forward to the challenge that Somerset will bring. I know that this year will be a very entertaining Cup Match and one that will end with a result, with the champions retaining the cup.Also, we have Somerset’s captain Jekon Edness who is no stranger to local cricket. Jekon has a vast amount of experience having represented Bermuda at the highest level and has played over in England for a few years. Jekon will bring a different look to Somerset as he is very composed in his approach. For Jekon taking on St.George’s in their backyard will be a battle, but one I am sure he will relish. I managed to catch up with Jekon and here is his response to my questions.Q: How have the preparations been going thus far in Somerset?A: We have been training hard twice a week under the watchful eye of Ricky Hoyte and player coach Janeiro Tucker.Q: What do you see as being the biggest challenge when picking your team tomorrow night?A: The biggest challenge is finding the right balance with our seam bowlers, do we take one or two spinners, which batsmen to select, overall finding a good balanced team.Q: Ideally you would have preferred your first game as captain to be in Somerset, how do you plan on handling the pressure of playing St.George’s at home?A: Not necessarily, Cup Match is a pressure game no matter where you play it. St.George’s is always a challenge and the conditions are the same in Bermuda. It ain’t like we are playing them overseas.Q: Do you have any parting words for Oronde and St.George’s?A: Good luck and may the best team win over the two days.As the final trial looms I encourage the players to pick yourself. The ability to perform under immense pressure in the final trial says a lot about a player’s character. I want to wish all the players in tomorrow’s trial matches the best of luck, both, Somerset and St.George’s.St George’s and Somerset fans, Bermuda, I urge you, to come to Wellington Oval for Cup Match this year. Something tells me we are in for one heck of a game that you won’t want to miss.