The St George’s leadership team of captain Onias Bascome and vice-captain Delray Rawlins are optimistic about their team’s chances of winning Cup Match this year.

Bascome, who is bidding to become the first St George’s captain to win back the cup since irt was last surrendered it in 2012, is counting on the in-form players selected to carry the East Enders to victory in the Annual Classic.

“I feel confident and a lot of our players are doing well with the bat and the ball, so this is the opportunity that we’re looking to take this year,’’ Bascome said.

“We have to go to Somerset and do what has to be done.”

St George’s announced seven changes to the team that lost at Wellington Oval last year, with Charles Trott and Sinclair Smith missing out through injury, while Rodney Trott and Treadwell Gibbons Jr decided not to make themselves available for selection.

“We have fresh blood in the team, which is exciting,’’ Bascome said

“Being down four individuals from last year doesn't help, but I feel like those that have come into the team are more than capable of getting the job done.”

Rawlins also feels youthful exuberance can give Clay Smith’s side the edge over Somerset.

“Every year the aim is to win it back, but this year feels like a different one for us,’’ the Bermuda captain said.

“We look very strong and we have a lot of young guys coming through. A lot of guys are in form and I think everyone is in the right frame of mind to go and do battle with Somerset over the two days.”

After a slow start with Bailey’s Bay, the left-hander has regained his form with bat and ball this season, scoring a hundred for Bay in their win over Cleveland County as they extended their reign as the Eastern Counties champions.

“I’m feeling all right and in good nick,” Rawlins said.

I’m batting and bowling well but it’s now a matter of delivering on the two days.“

On his Cup Match return last year, Rawlins took the new ball for St George’s, but he indicated the chances of him performing that role this time around are slim.

“I’m not sure yet and I have to talk to the coach and the captain, but it’s highly unlikely that I’ll open the bowling,’’ Rawlins said.

“I’m just looking to go out there and do the right thing.”