This year's Cup Match is almost certain to be held at Wellington Oval as scheduled - despite damage inflicted to the ground during last December's Bermuda Motocross Extravaganza.

While a cricket match still hasn't been held at the east end club this season and isn't expected to be for another two months as repairs are carried out to the surface, St.George's Cricket Club president Neil Paynter is confident the pitch will be ready for this year's mid-summer classic.

In early March the wickets were top dressed by former Somerset Cup Match skipper Sheridan Raynor while recently the remainder of the outfield was also top dressed, re-seeded and fertilised.

And according to Paynter, recent heavy downpours have been a blessing.

“Everything is looking alright. The grass is coming through on the outfield and we have staff coming down to keep an eye on things regularly,” said Paynter yesterday.

“Actually, we will be putting down some more seeds on the field this weekend and with all of this rain that we have recently had, it has been very good. That's been a plus. Most people complained about the rains on Bermuda Day (last Monday) but I didn't.”

Paynter now predicts his field to be ready in time for St.George's final Cup Match trial match on July 26.

“Basically it's just Cup Match or even the final trial match - not the other two trial matches against Bailey's Bay and St.David's but probably the final one against Cleveland. So it is the last trial that we are now looking at which is the week before Cup Match.”

The east enders have hired a landscaping firm to oversee the restoration of the ground while members have also weighed in and lent their support.

“We are watering the grounds every evening or early mornings,” added Paynter. “But everything is looking good and the rain has helped. Somebody up there is looking out for us because it has been like rain and sun ever since we re-seeded.”