History will be made at Somerset Cricket Club when Brianna Ray makes her appearance in the Cup Match champions’ final trial today.

The Flatts Victoria Recreation Club seamer has been named in the Vice-President’s XI and, according to club legend and former captain Randy Horton, is the first woman to do so.

“This is definitely a first and if she can play as well or better than other players that are playing, then make space for her,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“If a person is good enough, whatever their gender, they should be able to make the team.”

Professional hopeful Ray can hardly wait to showcase her talents.

“It’s quite exciting getting into that Vice-President's XI and getting an opportunity to get into the trials,” she said. “I am excited and it’s going to be a good day, no matter what happens.

“I have the opportunity to go out there and show everybody what I can do and learn from it as well for whatever is to come for the rest of the summer and the rest of my career. Every time I am out there, it’s a learning opportunity and an opportunity to push myself as far as I can.

“I have a lot of passion for the game and for Somerset, and it would mean a whole lot to play Cup Match.

“It’s not something I thought I’d be so close to this year, as there’s a lot more I can work on for me to feel fully ready. But I guess you’re never fully prepared for something as big as Cup Match.”

The 21-year-old is grateful for the support she has received from coach Janeiro Tucker in training in the lead-up to the final trial.

“I am very happy that Janeiro has been so welcoming to me, pushing me and letting me get a lot of opportunities as well,” she said. “He’s let me to come to training and also allowed me to bowl a lot and get a few hits as well, which is helping me develop.

“Training has been tough but a good challenge and I’ve definitely improved in some areas — getting better and better.

“The coach is there always pushing me and that's where I thrive the most — when I'm working hard and playing hard with that challenge between bat and ball, which is why I love the game. I always love to be in the contest and try to win that battle.”

It comes as no surprise Ray, who has also been named for Colts Cup Match tomorrow at Wellington Oval, has pinned her flag to Somerset’s mast as a daughter of the soil.

“I have always between a Somerset girl and grew up around Somerset Cricket Club, so it was always going to be west and never blue and blue,” she said.

The Vice-President’s XI will be led by star all-rounder Kamau Leverock and also includes Nacori Smith, club captain Dominic Sabir, Zeri Tomlinson, Dalin Richardson, Dion Stovell, Malachi Jones, Jaiden Manders, Jade Morrissey, Jerez Eve, Sharye Tavares and Callum McIntosh.

The President’s XI consists of captain Terryn Fray, who led Somerset to a 226-run win over St George’s in last year’s Cup Match at Somerset, Amari Ebbin, Tre Manders, Steven Bremar Jr, Kwasi James, Jermal Proctor, Derrick Brangman, Antonio Darrell, Alex Dore, Deunte Darrell, Macquille Walker, PJ Gibbons and Callum McFarlane.

Jaiden Manders, Dore and Antonio Darrell, who were named as reserves last year, Tomlinson, Smith, Richardson, Morrissey, Eve, McIntosh, Gibbons, McFarlane and Ray are all attempting to break into Somerset’s team this year, while Deunte Darrell is seeking a recall.

All of Somerset’s team from last year will be involved in the final trial with the exception of vice-captain Alje Richardson, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The final trial at Somerset Cricket Club starts at 10am.