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Belco Cup set for expansion

Dion Stovell

The annual Belco Cup competition looks likely to be modified for the upcoming season, The Royal Gazette understands.

Traditionally, the competition has featured the top four Premier Division teams from the previous season, but it is believed that this year’s event could possibly involve more teams.

And with the new season fast approaching, it is anticipated that organisers will announce details on any changes to the popular competition shortly. Seven times champions Southampton Rangers are the current Belco Cup holders.

Rangers beat St David’s by 87 runs in a low scoring final at Lord’s last season, with Dion Stovell, their captain, leading the charge with a fine display with both bat and ball.

Stovell stroked 29 runs and claimed five wickets with his off spin.

It was St David’s second successive defeat in the final having lost to Eastern Counties rivals Bailey’s Bay by 29 runs the previous season. Since utility company Belco took over the title sponsorship of the competition in 2003, only four teams have claimed the title: Rangers, Western Stars, PHC and Bailey’s Bay.

Inaugural winners Rangers are the only team to claim the competition in successive years, having won five titles between 2005 and 2009.

Rangers have appeared in the most finals, nine, while St David’s have appeared in five and Young Men’s Social Club three.

St David’s and Young Men’s Social Club have both been on the losing end of three consecutive finals against two teams: Rangers and Western Stars.

The competition was previously called the Premier Cup and the Camel Cup.

It was known as the Premier Cup from 1987 to 88 and the Camel Cup between 1989 and 2002.

Devonshire Recreation Club were the inaugural Premier Cup winners while St George’s Cricket Club were the first to win the Camel Cup.