It has been over 20 years since I entered the game of Cup Match and wow how things have changed since then.

This year's classic is sure to be entertaining on the field, but most of the talk has been about issues off the field. My concern is only for the game of Cup Match, but are we doing too much in trying to improve the product, while taking away years and years of tradition?

Firstly, let us focus on the game. Somerset have stuck with a solid team and only made one change, Kwame Tucker for Dion Stovell, a bat for a bat.

Personally, I was smiling when I heard that Somerset opted to leave out the ever dangerous, potent, pace bowler Kevin Hurdle. While most bowlers struggled on a flat Somerset track which saw the first team score over 350 runs, Hurdle took to the field and destroyed the batsmen with a superb bowling display, taking five wickets for a mere 25 runs.

Another Somerset player who was hard done by was Reid Jones. This is a league player who has been faithful to Somerset and is currently in incredible form. Just two weeks' ago he scored 100 against St.David's and in the final trial he scored 90-odd off 40 balls. This is the type of strike rate that Somerset would want from their batsmen on Cup Match as they look to post a massive total and in quick time.

I have no idea of the reasons behind their exclusion. Hopefully it had nothing to do with cricketing politics. For the Somerset fans sake let's hope these decisions do not come back to haunt them.

In St.George's, the spectators seemed very pleased with their team. There are three colts in Rudell Pitcher, Allen Douglas Jr. and Misheal Paynter. Choosing three colts at a time when St.George's have lost key players due to injury or retirement shows the confidence that the selectors have in the ability of these players.

This year is one of those years when St.George's have to show why they are champions because one mark of a true champion is to be able to perform through adversity.

As we all know St.George's were rocked by the news that not one, not two, but three of their potential fast bowlers were forced to miss Cup Match due to injury. On top of that, star batsman Charlie Marshall retired, Landro Minors was unavailable and Glen Blakeney was left out due to lack of playing time. Adversity? Can St.George's overcome these factors and still defeat Somerset in their own backyard?

One thing St.George's do have in their favour is youth and confidence. St.George's' team should be able to produce a first class fielding display as the youth have loads of energy and bring lots of enthusiasm to the field, and with Somerset's batting line-up they can not afford to fall asleep on the field.

Truthfully, these are two good teams. There will be critics on both sides questioning and second-guessing team selection but in the end only 11 can play. At the end of the day, Bermuda just wants to see some exciting, attractive, attacking cricket. Let the best team win, which we all know who that will be – burmp! burmp!

Now onto a rather sticky note, something that has been bothering many spectators around the island – the issue of Somerset not allowing alcohol into their grounds and having to buy liquor from the club. This is a very delicate topic but I feel pressed to give my views as so many people have asked me to address this issue openly and honestly.

Some are even boycotting the event because they feel it goes against what Cup Match stood for in the first place. I am actually stunned by the number of people that have voiced those sentiments. All of this hoopla over alcohol? How I wish we had an ounce of that passion for the game, our society, our children, our community.

Bermuda, let me say that the time has come to raise the standards of the game and it has to start somewhere. Not that I totally agree with everything that is taking place this Cup Match, but with security and safety at the forefront of all of our minds as of late, the professionalism that Somerset are attempting to portray can only be for the betterment and safety of the players and the fans.

Due to the recent violence in Bermuda it limits the opportunity for someone to bring weapons or other dangerous objects into the ground. With Cup Match being our number one sporting spectacl,e people want to know that they can come to Cup Match and feel safe. It is very unfortunate that these measures have to be taken, but it is what it is, this is what Bermuda has turned into.

We cannot forget that this change is not just about security but money as well. The potential financial rewards for Somerset certainly had to come into the equation when this decision was made. The possible profits to be made could enable Somerset to use the money to enhance the programmes that they run year round.

Let us remember the many youth and senior programmes that the club has run for decades. These programmes keep our kids off of the streets with something positive to do. We won't know if it is a success or not until after Cup Match but risks have to be taken if you are to be successful.

The reality is that our major clubs these days are struggling financially so things must change in order for them to remain viable to play their role in our social ills.

Let's be realistic. This is not going to make them millionaires but it may give them a profit instead of a loss or just breaking even. If Somerset end up making an extra $10,000 or $30,000 profit from this venture, can you blame them?

With all of this said we still must be mindful to preserve our traditions. Money should never be the only focal point when change takes place. There has to be a balance and I pray that when this Cup Match is over we can say that our old traditions still had a place in the new and improved.

To those spectators who are disgruntled I urge you to support Somerset in their venture even though you do not feel it is right. Do not let your team down by not showing up, your support is so important.

The players play for you, they play to please you and I know from experience that the more fans supporting, the better. Bermuda in these times we must all work together and show unity.

Having said all of that, I want to wish both teams the best of luck. Play hard, play fair and in cricket terms, leave it all out on the field. Bermuda is craving to see a good, quality game of cricket. Give them what they deserve. If both clubs aim to do this, regardless of who wins, cricket will be the big winner in the end.

n Clay Smith is the St. George's' coach and a former St. George's Cup Match skipper.