Delray Rawlins is poised to make his first appearance for childhood club Warwick in their Western Counties first-round clash with holders Southampton Rangers at White Hill Field today.

The all-rounder, back on island on personal leave from English county side Sussex, has returned to the club where he began his career.

“I remember him coming as a nine-year-old at Warwick, so it’s nice he’s giving back to the community,” Lorenzo Tucker, the Warwick coach, told The Royal Gazette. The Bermuda captain, who plays league cricket for Bailey’s Bay, will join international team-mate Malachi Jones in the Warwick squad.

Jones, who thumped the only double hundred (202 not out) in the competition’s existing 50-overs format two years ago, is also making his first appearance for the club in the series, having joined from Rangers.

“Match-winners like Delray Rawlins and Malachi Jones can boost any side,” Tucker added.

“However, we still have to play well and we expect Rangers to have some guest players as well.

“I expect a hard-fought battle, but we are confident we can take this trophy.

“We know it’s not going to be easy. but we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Warwick’s team also includes seamer Jamar Stovel, who made his Cup Match debut for St George’s in 2021, and wicketkeeper Ajani Lee, who was a member of Somerset’s victorious Colts Cup Match team last year.

Among those making their debut in the competition for the challengers are colts and Bermuda Under-19 pair Luke Horan and Luke Fulton.

Southampton have yet to announce their team.

Neither club have enjoyed the best of times this season, having been relegated from the Premier Division 50 Overs league, and are yet to win a match in all competitions.

“We haven’t really had a good season in the 50 Overs League with some bad breaks here and there,” Tucker said.

“We were in every game, except for the Cleveland match, so we are looking to kick-start the T20 season with winning a trophy, the Western Counties.

“Rangers have had a similar season after being relegated, and will be looking to retain the trophy, so we are expecting a very competitive and close game.

“However, we have trained hard and looking forward to the battle and hope to come out victorious and turn our season around a bit.

“It should be entertaining and close, so I encourage everybody to come out and watch.”

Meanwhile, the Knockout Cup continues tomorrow with two semi-final matches on tap at either end of the island.

First Division 50 Overs champions Somerset will face Premier Division counterparts Bailey’s Bay at White Hill Field, while Western Stars take on Cleveland County at Lord’s in St David’s.

Somerset and Bay have yet to lose this season and will be keen to preserve their unblemished records and secure their spot in the final.

Gus Logie, the Bay coach, says his players are up for the task at hand.

“Somerset will present a formidable challenge and we are looking forward to continually testing ourselves and our expanding bench strength,” he said.

The former West Indies player and coach will make at least one change to his team as captain Terryn Fray is off island.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be here for the next match, so Kyle Hodsoll will be the guy in charge,” Fray said. “I am travelling for my birthday and the team knew about this well in advance.

“But we have guys batting and bowling well and obviously Delray is there.

“He’s bowling exceptionally well and also getting some runs for us, so it’s nice.

“It’s a good feeling, it’s a good place to be in and we are looking forward to Sunday.“

Stars coach Jekon Edness says his players are also up for their clash with Cleveland.

“We are excited to play Cleveland, a very strong team,” he said.

“At this point in the competition, you’re only going to be playing against strong opposition, so it’s no hiding.”

Edness will also have to make at least one change to his squad as captain Tre Manders is unavailable.

“Unfortunately, I am not going to be on island, so I am going to be missing the game,” the Bermuda batter said.

“Obviously, we bank on good starts as well, so if we get a good start then you never know what can happen.”