New Somerset Cup Match captain Terryn Fray is adamant the champions have sufficient firepower in their arsenal to maintain their stranglehold on the trophy.

Fray concedes that defending the cup against what at first glance seems an improved St George’s side will be no easy task, but he is confident his side can get the job done in front of their own fans.

“I think it”s a strong team and all of these guys are coming off lot of runs, a lot of wickets and a lot of good performances, so everyone is confident,” Fray told The Royal Gazette.

“I think people who play sport and put themselves in those positions understand not to get it mixed up with the arrogant side of things and try to remain humble and treat everyone with respect, that includes the opposition and those there to support, the young people.

“As long as we remain humble, stick to our plans and don't get too ahead of ourselves, the team will be all right. It's important that we stay level headed all the way through it.”

Fray has also urged his team-mates to stay in the moment and take matters “one ball at a time”.

“It's cricket and it has to be played on the day, so that's why you always have to stay in the moment and never get too ahead of yourself,” Fray said.

“It’s really important to take it one ball at a time and not to overthink or put yourself further than what the moment allows you to be in. I think that's really important in defending the cup in how we play those two days of cricket.

“It's a big day and time to step up and be big players, and that's alI I ask from these guys. Shine on these two days and show everybody what your about, it’s very important to seize the opportunity.”

The holders have retained the bulk of their team from last year, with promising and exciting club all-rounders Jermal Proctor and Dominic Sabir replacing former captain Jordan DeSilva and Chris Douglas.

“There was some good debate around the changes that were made,” Fray said.

“The guys coming in add value to the team and they played well this season, getting wickets and scoring runs.

“There are a couple of guys from previous years left out that could have been in, and that's just how it goes sometimes.

“It’s never easy picking these teams and leaving out certain guys, but you move forward from all of that.”

Fray is confident that Proctor, the grandson of former Somerset captain Nathaniel Proctor, and Sabir can rise to the big occasion as colts.

“Dominic is probably one of the most promising talents that the island has at the moment,” Fray said.

“He takes his cricket very seriously, plays the game very strong and seems as though he has plan for both how we wants to bat and how he bowls, and one of the best attributes of his game is his fielding, he's unmatched with that. He's a really good fielder, which compliments his batting and bowling.

“Jermal has probably been on the fringe for the last couple of years now for Cup Match and the national team as well. He’s done well over these last couple of months and represented the national side really well when he came in on the last tour.

“He has some great raw talent and with the right guidance and the right coaching over the next couple of years he will be one of the island's best players.”

On a personal note, Fray is venturing into unknown territory this year as he lead Somerset into battle without his regular Cupo Match opening partner Douglas at the opposite end.

“It's my first year captaining, so obviously there is a lot of emotion and thought around how we go about it,” he said.

“This year is definitely going to feel different. First and foremost my opening partner of the last thirteen years isn't going to be there with me, and so for me that was really difficult.

“I played all of my cricket with Chris from young right until now, so that's 100 per cent going to be different for me personally and the team.

“Chris brings uniqueness, so he is going to be missed and it is a bit of change and going to feel different, but the club is in a good position with some of the players we are producing.

“Whatever position we find ourselves in on Thursday, whether it be bowling first or batting first, we have the quality and the strength to do either one at the highest of our ability.”

As for St George’s, Fray has taken a long look at Somerset’s rivals as they make a host of changes to the side.

“I think they have a strong team and they have picked some really good young players that have been playing really well, so it’s promising for them and looks like they are really building for their future, which is something both teams have to take into consideration.

“They have a strong team and, as a club team, they are playing some good cricket so I expected them to make the right decisions and it seems as though they have in that regard.”