Temiko Wilson, the Western Stars wicketkeeper, said playing in Cup Match would be a “dream come true”.

Wilson is among those vying for a place in the St George’s team and if all goes accordingly hopes to fulfil an ambition of showcasing his talents at Somerset Cricket Club.

“Playing in Cup Match has definitely been a dream of mine while I have supported St George’s since childhood,” said the in-form batsman.

“I also happen to be a big fan of Dean Minors who has been St George’s from birth.”

Wilson tried unsuccessfully to break into the St George’s squad last year, but hopes he can convince the club’s selectors he is worthy of being chosen as the East Enders bid to wrestle the cup away from Somerset.

“Playing in Cup Match is a privilege for any cricketer and you always want to be among the greats,” Wilson said. “I would love to play and hopefully this is my year.”

The challengers have been forced to look elsewhere for a wicketkeeper after Christian Burgess, who kept behind the stumps in last year’s classic at Wellington Oval, was ruled out through a knee injury while Jason Anderson, who has kept wicket over the past several years, is serving a life ban after a violent altercation with George O’Brien Jr in last season’s Champion of Champions match.

Wilson is one of two players hoping to take over Burgess’s role, the other being Sinclair Smith, the Bailey’s Bay wicketkeeper.

“St George’s are known for taking two wicketkeepers and I would rather see both of us chosen to make the team stronger so that we can get the cup back,” Wilson said.

The Stars early-order batsman is enjoying a productive season.

He has scored 394 runs so far from ten innings at an average of 56.286, with a top score of 102 not out against Tuff Dogs in the Central Counties.

“I seem to be producing with the bat this year and hopefully I do get the call,” Wilson said. “I also got a century last year but I think I’m having a better season this year.

“Some people may not rate the century I got against Tuff Dogs in the Central Counties, but at the same time they did have a lot of experience.”

Wilson, who plays for Flatts as a guest player in the Eastern Counties, has also shone behind the stumps in the Premier Division with Stars, taking eight catches, three stumpings and conceding only 12 byes in ten matches.

“I really enjoy playing wicketkeeper and would love to keep wicket for St George’s,” Wilson said. “I would love to help St George’s win the cup.”