Somerset, the Cup Match champions, may be forced to make at least one change to their team this year.

Jeff Richardson, the Somerset coach, confirmed yesterday that Kamau Leverock, the Southampton Rangers and Bermuda all-rounder, is a doubt because to cricket commitments with Sussex Premier League team Horsham Cricket Club in England.

“At this point Kamau has cricket commitments outside of Bermuda that is casting some doubts on his availability for Cup Match,” Richardson said. “We should be able to confirm whether or not he is available by the end of the week.”

Should Leverock make himself unavailable, Richardson said that there are others more than capable of filling the void.

“We have so many options in Somerset at this point that any changes can either maintain the team’s current strength or make it stronger than what it is,” Richardson added.

Leverock’s unavailability could pave the way for Somerset Cricket Club all-rounder Jordan DeSilva to be recalled.

DeSilva served notice to the club’s selectors what his intentions are with a fine all-round display in Somerset’s six-run victory over league champions St David’s at Somerset on Sunday, scoring 23 runs, claiming three wickets with his left arm seam, holding three catches and having a say in two run outs.

So far, Richardson, who is a former Somerset Cup Match player, said that the champion’s preparations for their upcoming title defence have been encouraging.

“The numbers have been out even though unfortunately our training has been clashing with the national squad training,” he added. “But on the positive side this has provided us with an opportunity to have a look at other guys.”

Among the new faces trying out at Somerset this year is Willow Cuts spin bowler Kavon Fubler, whose father Kevin is a former Somerset Cup Match player.

Meanwhile, Heritage Productions are celebrating a milestone this year.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the organisation’s Annual Emancipation Celebration Awards Luncheon that will be held on Sunday at Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

The occasion pays homage to the contributions to the annual two-day classic and Bermuda’s cultural heritage by former Somerset and St George’s Cup Match players.

This year’s recipients from Somerset include James Swan, Erskine Smith, Dwaine Richardson and Wendell Simmons.

Among those being honoured from St George’s are Charles Marshall, Kenneth Pitcher, Adrian King and Terry Fray who was a reserve for Somerset in 1979.

A special award will be presented to Christine Paynter for her outstanding service as the first female score in the Cup Match Classic.

For more details contact Dr Radell Tankard at rtankard@gov.bm or mrtankard@aol.com or call 534-8265.