Tre Manders has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

The Southampton Rangers batsman broke his ankle in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday to bring a premature end to his campaign.

Manders has played a key contribution in Rangers’ dominance so far this term and had been pushing for a place in Bermuda’s team for the ICC T20 World Cup regional qualifiers at home next month.

The 24-year-old was also expected to feature for Somerset in Cup Match and as a guest player for Bailey’s Bay in the Eastern Counties.

Dion Stovell, the Rangers captain, said the team will be going all out to defend their Western Counties title in their second-round match against PHC at PHC Field today before trying to clinch the Premier Twenty20 title against St George’s tomorrow at Lord’s in “out of respect” for their team-mate.

“It’s a blow that we lost one of our main batsman due to an accident, so out of respect we just have to go out there and play hard for him,” Stovell said.

“This guy has had a good season; I think we need to play our hearts off to make sure that we go and win the title.”

Manders played an integral role in Rangers’ 234-run triumph over Somerset Bridge in the opening round of the Western Counties at PHC Field last weekend, stroking a maiden century in the competition (102) and featuring in a 158-run third-wicket partnership with Stovell.

“Losing Tre, even for Cup Match, and I guess him trying to play for Bailey’s Bay in Eastern Counties, is a blow to any side,” Stovell added.

“The Rangers team are just wishing him a speedy recovery and hoping he comes back full strength.”

Rangers hold a five-point advantage over second-placed Bailey’s Bay, the only team still in the title hunt, going into the final round of the Premier T20 championship with St George’s at Lord’s tomorrow.

“It’s been a competitive T20 season and to have the league decided on the last day is good for the competition,” Stovell said.

Bay are going into their final match against Cleveland County at Sea Breeze Oval clinging to their own hopes of glory.

“Anything is possible and we are just going to do our part and play Cleveland like we have approached every game this season,” Terryn Fray, the Bay captain, said.

Last year’s champions St David’s host Flatts in the remaining Premier T20 contest at Lord’s tomorrow.

A full slate of First Division 50-overs matches, starting at 11am, are also scheduled for tomorrow.

Warwick Workmen’s Club host Somerset Bridge at Southampton Oval, Willow Cuts and PHC will do battle at Somerset Cricket Club, while Devonshire Recreation Club are at home to First Division T20 champions Somerset Cricket Club at Devonshire Rec. Western Stars have a bye.

Meanwhile, Jordan DeSilva has been named as the One Communications and Bermuda Cricket Board Player of the Week for his career-best innings against First Division rivals Somerset Bridge at Somerset Cricket Club last weekend.

The Somerset captain struck 165 and featured in a 138-run fourth-wicket partnership with Greg Maybury (52) that steadied the ship and all but clinched his team’s comfortable 135-run victory.

“It’s always feels good to get a big score, but even more when your team really needs it,” DeSilva said.

“We were in early trouble. Somerset Bridge had us three for three in the third over before Greg and I got us out of trouble.”