As the race for Richard Basden's Cup Match spot hots up, Bailey's Bay's talented all-rounder Dennis Pilgrim has emerged favourite to fill the void.

Last weekend Bay's senior player hit full stride, serving notice to Somerset's Cup Match selectors as he stroked an unbeaten 37 and claimed three wickets for 65 runs during the west enders' first trial.

He followed up with a whirlwind 65 off just 47 deliveries in a losing cause for Bay the next day.

Pilgrim was a reserve during last summer's classic at Wellington Oval.

In another development, it is understood that St. David's' Sammy Robinson - also reported to be contesting for Basden's spot - is battling a nagging injury.

And sources close to the club are pointing to Pilgrim as their man.

During last Saturday's trial, Pilgrim's team-mate Irving Romaine, who has endured a mixed bag of fortunes this season, was a notable absentee.

Somerset league opener Sheridan (Baldy) Ming remains in the hunt. However, although he has enjoyed a sterling season so far with several half centuries and a century to to his credit, he remains an outside bet.

The champions already have an abundance of openers with the likes of Kwame Tucker, skipper Albert Steede, Dexter Basden and Curtis Jackson all able to fill the role.

Ming, however, increased his own stock by cracking a fine 47 during Saturday's match.

Others who enjoyed solid outings were Kwame Tucker (58), cousin Janeiro (40 not out), Wendell White (14) and veteran Dexter Basden (28).

Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock was merciless, grabbing one for six off eight overs of off-spin that also included a staggering six maidens.

The jovial giant then returned to crack an unbeaten 50 during the vice-president's four-wicket win.

Both Steede and Jackson were in action during Saturday's Eastern Counties first round match at Sea Breeze Oval.

Meanwhile, Somerset coach Winston Reid says the build-up to the 100th edition of the mid-summer classic is causing plenty of interest.

"We always have positive feelings. We don't have any negativity," said Reid.

Somerset's final trial match will be on Saturday (10 a.m.) at the club.