I couldn't help but notice that Somerset held a Cup Match trial last week against the Under-19s. More interesting was that Justin Pitcher, St.George's reserve from last year, participated in the trial. It looks like the battle for his services is on as we at St.George's see Justin playing a big part in our plans for this year.

Last year the fight for Chris Douglas, another player from the East End, went right down to the final trial. The morning of the final trial everyone was anxiously waiting to see where he would play.

Could this happen again this summer with Justin? Personally, I think Justin has St.George's at heart. He is very keen and hungry to play Cup Match. So far his stats have been by far the best on the Island from any fast bowler, which in my eyes speaks volumes.

With Justin having seen his older brother Arthur Pitcher Jr. play for St.George's Cup Match team in the past the thought of both of them playing together in the future must be appealing to him.

Credit must be given to Somerset for starting so early in the summer with their plans for the classic. While it is good that they begin their trials early, questions often loom about just how important these trials are with Cup Match still being so far away. Many fans often say it doesn't matter what you do now, what matters most is the final trial.

While Somerset attempt to win the trophy back I am more concerned about what direction their selectors will take this year. On one hand they have three young spinners in Joshua Gilbert, Derek Brangman and Tamauri Tucker, all of good quality. On the other they have three senior spinners in Dwayne Leverock, Dell Hollis and Hasan Durham, who St.George's have become accustomed to seeing, and dominating. Will they stick with the old guard or will they be bold enough to build a team with youth and enthusiasm?

Taking time out to reflect on the past, the battle for players has been going on for years between the two clubs. When I was coming through, I recall Albert Steede trying out for St.George's before going to Somerset, and on the opposite end Charlie Marshall trying out in Somerset, but ending up playing for St.George's.

The difference back then between the two clubs was that St.George's were such a dominant force in the league that, at times, six or seven of their players would play Cup Match. This meant that in order to play for St.George's you had to be exceptional or fit into a particular role that they were looking for, hence the reason why some players who were not from St.George's would leave. On the flip side Somerset may have had two league players playing Cup Match so outsiders back then stood a better chance of playing for them.

Somerset's decision of trying to lure Justin Pitcher doesn't come as a surprise though as they have targeted St.David's players before, such as Dell Hollis, Sammy Robinson and others.

However, where Justin is at an advantage is that he genuinely can make St.George's team this year because he is simply good enough. His desire and passion to play Cup Match is there and the thought of him bowling in partnership with George O'Brien is appealing.

Together they would destroy Somerset and I think that Somerset are well aware of that. Therefore, they are going to do everything in their power to try and attain his services. But Justin is a wanted man in St.George's as we see him as a long-term investment with great all-round ability.

Can you imagine me as coach of St.George's trying to lure Kevon Fubler or Dionte Darrell of Willow Cuts to St.George's? How strange would that be? Hmm! I guess it is time to play fire with fire.

Anyway regardless of what happens, this Cup Match should be an interesting one as both clubs seem eager to get started early with their preparations.

Justin Pitcher is the talk of the town right now. Will there be any other players that the two clubs tussle over before the final trial date arrives in less then two months time?

Only time will tell.

One thing we do know for sure is that with both clubs looking to prepare early, this year's summer classic should be just that, a classic.