Star batsman Glenn Blakeney could be among those fighting for a spot on St. George’s’ Cup Match team when the champions stage their final trial match at Wellington Oval on July 28.

Blakeney made no secret yesterday that he would be keen to try and reclaim the spot he lost in 2005 if given the chance to impress the St. George’s selectors at the end of the month at the same venue where he scored a maiden century (104) in the 2001 classic.

“I would love to give it a try and hopefully be able to perform to my best if given the opportunity,” the stylish batsman said. “Cup Match is big to all Bermudians and to be able to play in a game like that is always special.”

Although Blakeney has seen limited action in recent years, he is still regarded as a threat at the crease and if chosen could be asked to open the batting for this year’s hosts or possibly even keep behind the stumps in the absence of retired Bermuda national wicketkeeper Dean Minors who is unavailable to play this year because of other commitments.

“I haven’t kept wicket in a while, but I can play any position out there and have done it before,” he said. “But I honestly feel St. George’s have a capable wicketkeeper in Jason (Anderson). He is still one of the best on the Island and I’m sure the selectors haven’t overlooked him.”

With challengers Somerset having lost a few key players, Blakeney is among those who fancy St. George’s chances of becoming the first Cup Match club to win three matches in a row since 1969, and the first to achieve the feat on turf, as great.

And while the explosive left-handed batsman acknowledges the fact that Somerset are currently going through a rebuilding phase, he refuses to take them lightly.

“Nobody is giving them a chance of winning because of the players they have lost,” he added. “But Somerset are always going to be a good side, no matter who they pick.

“So you can’t become complacent or take them for granted because on the day anybody can come in and do the job.”

Somerset will travel to Wellington Oval next month without the likes of all-rounders Saleem Mukuddem and Janeiro Tucker as well as opening batsman Dion Stovell.

When asked to share his thoughts on the trio’s omissions, Blakeney replied: “I’m happy to see that because I support St. George’s. I guess it is a bit sad for Somerset fans, but there are other cricketers out there deserving of a chance and so the onus will be on them to go in there and do their best.”

Blakeney has yet to play under skipper Lionel Cann but would jump at the opportunity to do so. “I have always enjoyed playing with Lionel,” he said. “Lionel is a veteran who knows the game very well.”

Blakeney, who scored a record 303 not out playing for St. David’s against Bailey’s Bay in 2004, is also keen to play another Cup Match alongside veteran batsman Charlie Marshall who has also expressed interest in making another appearance.

“There’s only one word that describes Charlie — a general. Whenever the chips are down he is a player you can always rely upon to get the job done,” he said. “So I’ll definitely be looking forward to playing alongside him if I get chosen.”