Hamilton Parish Hurricanes captain Terryn Fray has backed his side to win the Bermuda Smash for a third time in a row.

In the brief history of the Smash since its inception in 2024, Hurricanes boast of being the only team to win it.

Speaking after the team’s training session at Wellington Oval on Thursday, the Bermuda captain was optimistic.

“We’re pretty confident of winning it for a third time,” Fray told The Royal Gazette.

“With the format and the way it goes, every team has a chance to play in the semi-finals. So you really just have to win two games in a row in this to be successful in winning the trophy.

“With all things being equal, everybody has a good chance. However, the confidence that we have gained after being the only team to have won it should carry us through.

“It’s pressure, but at the same time, it’s a privilege to be in this position. We understand how sport goes, no two days are the same.

“But we’re just trying to remain positive, humble and not really think too much about the past years.

“This is a new year and really work to what strengths we have this year and come up with a whole new game plan. Everyone’s up for the challenge and they understand what’s required.”

Fray, whose side start their title defence against Sandys Spartans at North Field, National Sports Centre today (4pm), is focused on the first two matches.

“I don’t think there’s one team that you can say is really out there to watch,” he said.

“Every team has quality. Every team, if they play well, can be just as destructive and dangerous, so I don't think we’re looking at any team.

“We’re looking to play every game on its merit, using those first two games as a gauge. Then that third game before the semi-finals is where you look to really peak.

“We want to get into that semi-final and play well. That’s kind of how we’re looking at approaching it, so I think it’s well anticipated.”

The champions retained left-arm spinner Raj Nannan, from the United States, while adding Quentin Sampson, of Guyana, and Australian Marcus Bean.

“It’s always been a good tournament for the players in Bermuda,” Fray said.

“We’re blessed again to have such positive and outgoing overseas players, so we’re looking forward to this year.

“We had Raj last year, he’s a very stoic type of player, he moves to the march of his beat and thought it complemented us very well.

“He’s very clinical in his decision-making, especially when bowling and fielding. He’s quite handy with the bat also.

“With Marcus, we saw his quality last year. Unfortunately, he was injured a little bit last year with Sandys Spartans, but he was up for selection and we understood that he was fit and ready to go, so we took the opportunity to pick him as a left-arm fast bowler.”

Bean was on the opposite end when Hurricanes claimed a second crown last June. The 22-year-old towering fast bowler is thrilled to be playing for the champions.

“Playing for a new team is very exciting,” Bean said.

“They’ve got some very talented players and it's a good group. I’m getting along with them really well already and I’m very excited to see what we can do on the field together.

“Bermuda is a great place to be. The cricket's great, the community's great here and all in all, it’s a great experience.”

While they are the team to beat, Bean is convinced that they have what it takes to defend their title.

“There’s a bit of pressure,” he said.

“They’ve won two years in a row, so there’s a lot of pressure and there’s definitely a target on our backs.

“Teams are going to look to come hard against us and try to beat us and take us off that top spot.

“But we’re ready for whatever the team’s bringing. We’re very confident in our abilities and we’ve got a good squad with us.”

In his maiden season in the BSI, Nannan won admiration for being one of the safest fielders. He took the crown for most catches with a total of six.

“It was a great feeling, especially for the team to win it,” Nannan said.

“They played really well as a unit. Defending a title is always difficult, but we’re always up for the challenge.

“We had a good session with a lot of positivity and good energy. I’m looking forward to the first game.”

Derrick Brangman has been the wicket taker for the first two editions of the tournament. In 2024, he finished with 13 and struck eleven times last year.

The 38-year-old has his eyes on the final as he seeks to lay his hands on the trophy for the third year running.

“We’re just hoping to have a good tournament,” Brangman said.

“At least make it to the finals again, that’s the main thing. You can't win if you don't make it to the finals.

“We want to be in a good place in the group stage. If we finish first, we get to play the team in fourth place.

“That way we’ve got an advantage going into the final. We just want to be positive as we go along in the tournament.

“First game for us we’re playing Sandys Spartans and that’s a good start for us, playing against a team we beat in the final last year.”

Aaron Paynter, one of the wild card picks for Clay Smith’s side, is hoping to acquire as much knowledge on the game from the senior players.

“This is my first time playing in this tournament,” the 22-year-old said.

“I’m looking forward to it, getting the chance to play with and against professionals is something that you look forward to.

“It feels good to get selected for the two-time champions. Being around guys who have won it twice so they know what it takes to win.

“This year is no different as we are looking to do something great by winning the tournament for the third time in a row. It will take a lot of effort from the team, but we know what we have to do to achieve that.

“Overall, it will be a good experience to be around and learn from the professionals and the senior guys in the team.”

Meanwhile, Pembroke Panthers and Smith’s Sixers clash in the opening match of the competition today (11am).