The Belco Cup is upon us and vying to win that first piece of silverware are Devonshire Recreation, Willow Cuts, Bailey’s Bay and St. David’s County Cricket Club.One thing we can be guaranteed is that there will be a new champion as last year’s winners Southampton Rangers failed to make the top four.This week I highlight two players Malachi Jones (Willow Cuts) and Ryan Steede (Bailey’s Bay) both of whom are influential in their team, who could play a pivotal role in their team’s success.The following is a Q&A with Malachi Jones:Q: St. David’s will come seeking revenge on their home field. What do you feel is the secret to defeating them a second time in merely a week?A: I think St. David’s have a slight upper hand despite losing to Cuts less than a week ago because, one, it’s their home field and two, they know what the pitch is playing like. However, St. David’s are beatable if we hold onto our catches like we did on Sunday and get a few early wickets.Q: OJ Pitcher will be back for the semi-finals. Does this change the dynamics of the game?A: OJ is a big help in any team so St. David’s will obviously be stronger but he is only one man. We beat St. David’s at St. David’s last year, chasing 270 with the likes of Lionel Cann, OJ Pitcher and Landroe Minors in the team. Our team will be different with the likes of the two Fubler cousins (Sheroy and Kevon). They will make their season debuts as they were both absent last weekend.Q: What can spectators expect from Malachi Jones this weekend?A: Jones is looking to bowl as tight as possible, build pressure from one end; wickets can fall from the other end. If I get a few in the process I’ll take them,but I’ve noticed batsmen don’t really look to target me so I’ll take the dot ball and look to bowl my overs for less than 30 runs.Q: If Cuts make it to the finals which team would you prefer and why?A: Bay, for the simple fact that we want to play the best so it’s no excuses. We don’t want any free rides. We are here to play good cricket and that’s what we are striving to do.The following is a Q&A with Ryan Steede (Bailey’s Bay):Q: What players from Devonshire Recreation do Bay need to be concerned about in the semi-finals?A: Derrick Brangman and Dean Stevens; they are two match winners and they can cause us trouble if they get on.Q: If Bailey’s Bay win their semi-final game against Rec. who would you prefer to meet in the finals and why?A: I think most people would prefer to see St. David’s v Bailey’s Bay in the finals because of the history between the two teams. Also, the fact that Bay should have won the league last year, but because of the bonus system were deprived of the league title by St. David’s.Q: Bay possess one of the best bowling attacks on the island, but do you have enough batting to win the Belco Cup outright this weekend?A: I think our batting is pretty solid. We may not necessarily have the so-called big names, but we have guys capable and who are trying to build a reputation as solid bats. One player we do have is Steven Outerbridge and on his day he can tear apart any bowling attack.Q: What role do you see yourself playing this weekend being a senior player in the team?A: My role would be to more or less help steady the ship, whether it be batting or bowling . . . try to keep the team pumped up and offer advice in critical situations.Bermuda you should witness some quality cricket this weekend. The Belco Cup is infamous for bringing out the best in players and teams in general.Some cricket fans may feel that the semi-final game between St. David’s and Willow Cuts is really the final, meaning whoever wins that game is more than likely going to be your champion. However, Bailey’s Bay, another powerhouse team will beg to differ as they aim to break their duck and win this trophy for the first time.Don’t count out Rec though as this is cricket and anything can happen on the day.Whoever does end up as champion this weekend will have the edge towards building team confidence. Don’t be surprised if the winner of the Belco Cup goes on to win the league title. For once a team gets that winning fever it is very hard to stop them.Quote of the week: We had a good team on paper. Unfortunately, the game was played on grass Brian Clough.