The cricket season has almost reached the halfway point and I figured we should take a brief look to see what players are making a push for a spot in Cup Match.Currently, there are only a handful of players that have performed at a high standard, but there are plenty of spots up for grabs as both teams have imminent changes through suspensions and unavailability.Firstly, let’s take a look at the challengers, Somerset. Somerset have been hard hit by the suspensions of Kevin Hurdle and Deonte Darrell. On top of that, Jacobi Robinson will find it tough to hold down his spot and question marks remain over the availability of Terryn Fray and Kamau Leverock.The reality is that Somerset must make a minimum of two changes, one a bat the other a bowler. The batting position will be challenged by Chris Douglas, Tre Manders and Ricardo Brangman.If Fray is unavailable that means two batting spots would become available. Brangman is aggressive and can score quickly, which is a bonus. Douglas is steady, but with his ability should be getting bigger scores. Manders on the other hand is young and promising, with good technique and would relish the challenge of Cup Match.From the bowling point of view, the loss of Kevin Hurdle is massive and he is almost irreplaceable. Last year, Hurdle destroyed St George’s batting line up giving Somerset a chance to do the unthinkable of a victory, but his efforts fell just short.The only genuine pace left for Somerset to choose from is Somerset’s own Jordan DeSilva, unless they are able to lure PHC’s Kevin Tucker to the West End, which would be a big coup.However, pressure will be on Robinson to hold onto his spot as the former Bermuda fast bowler has now opted to bowl spin and his batting in the previous Cup Match will not help his cause much.The question is what other options do Somerset have? There is one young, fast bowler that Somerset have that excites me and that is Justin Donawa. This youngster is just a natural and could be the surprise pick if he manages to squeeze in enough cricket around his first love, which is track and field.At the other end of the island, down in St George’s where the champions hold the cup, polished and shined, there too could be a couple of changes.OJ Pitcher and Damali Bell are believed to be missing this year’s Classic so there would be an automatic two places up for grabs. Outside of these two players St George’s will unlikely make any additional changes as they have a core of players that they build their team around.In the batting department very few players looking for spots have made many runs this year. One player St George’s will look at to fill OJ Pitcher’s shoes is the ever reliable Chris Foggo who didn’t play last year due to an injury.Other players who could push Foggo for that batting spot are club players Patrick Stemp who has had a promising start to the season and Mischael Paynter. One player who also deserves serious consideration, who has been steady all season, is Treadwell Gibbons of Cleveland.He is a former Bermuda player who appears to be making a strong comeback. What I like most about him is his mental toughness under pressure situations, an ideal candidate for the champions, but I’m not sure if he is Somerset bound.With Bell being absent a bowling spot or an all-rounder’s spot becomes available, whichever the selectors choose. The player right now in pole position for a spot is Kyle Hodsoll. He has improved with his consistency immensely and has a good slower ball too, which would cause Somerset’s aggressive batsmen loads of trouble.Former Cup Match player George O’Brien is another player you can’t count out of making a return. O’Brien always gets wickets during Cup Match, but in the past season or two there have been doubts about his fitness over two days.Regardless, outside of Stefan Kelly, he is St George’s most destructive bowler. However, there is one other youngster that could be a surprise and that is young Delray Rawlins of PHC.He has been steady with both bat and ball and brings something St George’s havn’t had for years, a quality left arm spinner.One thing I have to applaud Somerset about is their preparation.They always seem well organised and already they are shouting out to interested parties who are interested in Cup Match. Last year Somerset made a bold challenge when the game seemed all but over.They have a fighting spirit that has been built up, but there is still something missing. Maybe more emphasis is needed in the tactical part of coaching with their staff.Someone who is able to sit down and come up with a solid game plan that has the ability to motivate the players over that hump that is blocking them from regaining the Cup.St George’s on the other hand are a little behind the eight ball as they are in the process of revamping their selection committee with experienced former players.The champions will have a new head coach this year, with the likes of either Herbie Bascome or George Cannonier. As champions, St George’s will have to be mentally prepared for a battle as Cup Match this year is in Somerset and Somerset is guaranteed to come strong.While we are only midway into the season everyone knows if there is a time to make runs or get wickets it is in July. July is the month when trials are played and someone will make a late push for a spot.Will we see a surprise this year from one of the clubs selection committees? I urge players to step their game up and make life tough for both selection committees, so maybe, just maybe, we will see one or two new faces at this year’s Classic.Quote of the week: If you are going to be a champion, you must be willing to pay a greater price — Bud Wilkinson