Jeff Richardson, the Somerset coach, has expressed his concern over his team having to play their first five matches of the season away from home.

The West Enders have played their Premier Division 50 overs matches against champions Bailey’s Bay, St George’s, Cleveland and Western Stars either at Sea Breeze Oval or Wellington Oval, and will hit the road yet again today to face unbeaten St David’s at Lord’s.

“It boggles the mind the fact that we have a home field,” Richardson told The Royal Gazette. “I can understand if we didn't have a field to play on.

“But it boggles the mind how the league schedule can be set up where Somerset Cricket Club has played every match this season between Bailey's Bay and St George's Cricket Club, and now we are heading to St David's. I can't understand the logic behind that.”

Somerset, whose ground was not available for the first month of the season, will play their first home match against Bailey’s Bay on June 29.

The former Western Stars and Somerset Cup Match batter says the state of affairs has taken a toll on his team.

“It has had a negative impact on my team because playing one or two games at home allows you to gain some confidence, understanding that we have a nice pitch up at Somerset where you see runs being scored,” Richardson added.

“Having a home field provides you with an opportunity to gain some confidence going into your away matches.”

Scheduling matters aside, Richardson believes his team are capable of achieving what no other have so far by handing St David’s their first loss of the season.

“I think on any given day we are able to beat anybody in the league at this point,” he said.

”But the only issue I am having is keeping a consistent XI. It’s chopping and changing every week depending on availability. If I can get a decent XI together I feel we are in the match.“

Richardson is encouraged by his player’s performances but says there is room for improvement, particularly in the bowling department.

“I have been encouraged by the performances we've had for the season thus far,” he added.

“Unfortunately our bowling hasn't been up to par as yet. I think we have been chasing 40, 50 maybe 60 more runs than we should.

“Our batting line-up has been a bit spotty at times, but there's been some individual performances that's kept us in matches. so I am encouraged.

“Hopefully we can get an opportunity to bat first and put a score on the board and defend it.”

Somerset suffered a heartbreaking three-run loss in their previous against Western Stars at Sea Breeze Oval when victory seemed within reach.

“The guys were every disappointed that we didn't go on to win the match,” Richardson said. “There were a couple of guys that were in and kind of gave it away when they were set.

“That’s another match I think we were chasing 30-40 runs more than we should have.

“But the fact we got that close was encouraging as well. We didn't get bowled out, the overs ran out, and things being what they are, I am pretty encouraged.”

Meanwhile, Bailey’s Bay will be keen get back to winning ways when they host a rejuvenated Cleveland at Sea Breeze Oval with Willow Cuts facing Western Stars at Somerset Cricket Club in today’s remaining Premier Division 50 overs contests.

Title contenders St George’s have received a bye.

In today’s First Division 50 overs action, promotion hopefuls PHC will look to get back to winning ways against Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval while Devonshire Rec, who are also in the hunt for promotion, take on Somerset Bridge at Devonshire Rec.

The match between Flatts against Bermuda Under-19 at Wellington Oval has been postponed while promotion contenders Warwick have received a bye.

Tomorrow’s Premier Division 50 overs matches see Western Stars facing Bailey's Bay at Sea Breeze Oval, Cleveland against St George's at Wellington Oval and St David's hosting Willow Cuts at Lord’s.

Somerset have received a bye.

In First Division 50 overs play, Somerset Bridge host PHC at White Hill Field with Southampton Rangers squaring off with Western Counties rivals Warwick at Southampton Oval.

The match pitting Bermuda Under-19 against Devonshire Rec has been postponed.