Almost half the players who competed in last year’s exciting Cup Match at Wellington Oval could be missing from this year’s Classic in three weeks’ time.Injury, suspension and unavailability have already robbed challengers Somerset of about five players, while the champions St George’s are faced with making at least four changes, including captain Oronde Bascome who is ruled out with illness following recent appendix surgery.The hosts would appear to have a major selection issue with several players ruled out, including veteran batsman Janeiro Tucker who announced his retirement after becoming frustrated with the state of the local game. With 1266 runs, Tucker is just 91 short of equalling Charlie Marshall’s record 1357 runs in Cup Match.Two other doubtfuls for Somerset are Kamau Leverock and Joshua Gilbert, both on cricket scholarships in the UK. Gilbert is captain of the Bermuda Under-18 team presently on tour of Florida.Add to that the suspensions imposed by the Bermuda Cricket Board on batsman Deunte Darrell and Kevin Hurdle and the West Enders clearly have many spots to fill.One positive in the West End is that opening batsman Dion Stovell is reconsidering his decision to not to play this year. The club confirmed last year that Stovell informed them he did not wish to be considered this year but the Rangers captain has now had a change of heart.St George’s can ill-afford to focus on Somerset’s issues as they, too, have spots to fill. Club President Neil Paynter confirmed this week that Oronde Bascome has been ruled out and that former captain Lionel Cann, the team’s most senior player, would lead the team. However, the club was still awaiting news on the three overseas players, Stefan Kelly, OJ Pitcher and last year’s colt Damali Bell.“We are seeking to get clarification of their availability,” Paynter stated yesterday. “As of now, from an administrative point, we are not sure whether they will be here. We should know very soon.”The two clubs will have precious little time to run the rule over their prospects, as a packed Saturday schedule means that the clubs will probably only have one more trial before selection night, a big change from years ago when the clubs held four or five trial matches. This Saturday will see the Western Counties clash between Willow Cuts and Southampton Rangers and the following Saturday is the Eastern Counties first round. The final trial match for both clubs is July 28.Tre Manders of Western Stars is a strong contender for a spot in the Somerset team. He was a reserve last year but has had some recent outstanding knocks, including 88 against the United States in Bermuda’s Under-18 America’s Match Play competition in Florida on Tuesday. Left-arm seamer Jordan DeSilva, dropped last year, is hoping for a recall as a replacement for the suspended Kevin Hurdle.