Flatts coach Ryan Belboda has challenged his players to exploit any chance against Bailey’s Bay in the first round of the Eastern Counties at Lord’s today (10am).

In the final last year, Belboda’s side failed to capitalise after dismissing Bay for 144. They were wiped out for 107 in 43 overs, as the champions dominated with spin.

“My team have been faced with challenges in the league, but we firmly believe in the potential of our players,” Belboda said.

“We have the belief, the resilience, we just have to seize the opportunity when it comes. We are confident that this weekend is a perfect stage for our players to rise to the occasion.

“This match is not just about the result, but about showcasing the spirit and determination that defines our team.

“The team are ready to give it their all and play with heart. We are out to prove that we can compete against the best when we come together and believe in ourselves.”

Flatts have named four guest players, the experienced Kamau Leverock, Kevin Hurdle, Cofield Robinson and Amari Ebbin. While Leverock, Robinson and Hurdle played last year, Ebbin, who is enjoying good form at the top of the Somerset batting order, was not part of the team.

“Some of the guest players didn’t play last year, so we’re excited to welcome some of the exceptional guest players,” the Flatts coach said.

“They bring a lot of experience, skill and fresh energy to the team. With someone like Amari Ebbin coming in, it gives us a formidable unit capable of competing against the powerful Bay team.”

In preparation for the match, Flatts have been holding sessions at PHC Field, where they made use of the turf wicket. According to Belboda, the attendance has been good in the build-up to the match.

“For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been training prior to this weekend,” the coach said.

“These last three weeks we've been pretty much training, even with the guest players. We had about 18 players to choose from and from that we managed to come up with our starting XI and three reserves.

“From the two colts we selected, Sakai Kumar is one of our medium-pace bowlers and Jermaine Clarke is one of our opening batters.”

Captain Dajon Carey believes that they have done all that was required before the fixture.

“I think we have prepared ourselves well for the game,” he said.

“We are looking forward to getting out there and we’re eagerly anticipating a good competitive game.”

Bay captain Terryn Fray declared his team’s intention to go all out for victory, even though a draw would still see them through to meet Cleveland in the second round on August 16.

“It’s business as usual for us,” he said. “We’re looking to dominate, have a good match and get through to the next round.

“We’re definitely going for the win. We’ll see how the conditions are like on the day, that’ll obviously influence the toss.

“I think we’ve picked a strong enough team to dominate with the bat and the ball and, hopefully, come out with a win on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Precious Smith will become the first female umpire to officiate in the Eastern Counties when she walks out to the middle with Melvin Best.

Smith’s appointment follows that of Linnell Williams becoming the first woman to be assigned the role of Cup Match match referee in 2023. Williams and Smith were also part of the team of match officials for the 2024 Annual Classic at Somerset.

Thorough research by The Royal Gazette established that neither Doreen Woolridge nor Janet “Pinky” Todd — among the women umpire pioneers four decades ago — stood in such a game.

“I can still remember back in the Eighties being told to go home and stay in the kitchen,” Todd said in her approval of the appointment. “We have come a long way.”

Emmerson Carrington, president of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association, indicated that the 29-year-old is being mentored for officiating at a higher level.

“This is the next stage in her ongoing development and preparation for international opportunities,” Carrington said.

“She is one of our best and brightest, and has worked hard for this appointment. Her recent good showing in the Bermuda Smash Invitational final and consistent performances in league cricket proves that she is ready for this challenge.

“Just to show how she is improving, she is rated in the top three of active umpires in the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association.”