Jaiden Manders has expressed his deep gratitude at being picked to play in Cup Match by Somerset.

The 25-year-old colt is one of the three changes for the holders, with Jermal Proctor and Kwasi James brought back into the side. Alex Dore, Dalin Richardson and Macquille Walker made way.

Manders’ selection extends his family’s history in the Annual Classic as his late father Anthony “Porky” Manders, brother Jekon Edness, cousin Tre Manders and uncle Andre “Doc” Manders have represented Somerset, while his uncle Arnold Manders is a St George’s legend.

“It means a lot to me and it’s an honour to represent this club in Cup Match,” Manders said.

“Cup Match is part of Bermuda's culture and history, so being able to represent myself and Somerset in this historic game is a special honour.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity and I just want to put my best foot forward going into the match. I’ll try my best to help Somerset keep the trophy. I want to field correctly, make the right decisions and take catches.

“If I’m asked to bowl, I’ll try to come and bowl a tight line. Wherever they ask me to bat, I’ll just try to go out there and execute the team’s game plan.”

Manders has been trying to break into the Somerset side for a number of years. He has been a reserve since 2023 but finally made the breakthrough this time.

The Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate did not give up even after scoring 107 and picking up three wickets in the 2022 Colts Cup Match win that never earned him any recognition.

“I’m just trying to create my own path and make a name for myself,” he said.

“My brother, cousin, uncles and my father are already known, now it’s my chance. I had a really good knock in the Colts Cup Match a couple of years ago and that’s what motivated me to keep going and to try to get into the Cup Match team.

“I’ve been around the players as a reserve for a while and it was good for me to showcase my talent in the final trial. I love playing this sport and I just want to continue to do good for me. I just want to keep improving, day in and day out.”

Tre Manders, a senior member of the Somerset squad, wants to win the cup for the retiring duo of Malachi Jones and Dion Stovell.

“We’re thinking about winning it, especially for Malachi Jones and Dion Stovell,” he said.

“I definitely want them to go out with a bang by winning the cup. We never come here playing for a draw and we definitely come here to win every time.

“Nothing changes, the same standards. Somerset always stick to a certain standard since 2012 when we won the cup back

“there is definitely no complacency and we treat the opposition just like we are playing against any top team. We will stick to the game plans and hopefully we will not just keep the cup but win it.

“There's no better feeling than winning the cup in Somerset so that is the No 1 thing that we want to do.”

The 31-year-old has been part of a fine run for the West Enders, as the top-order batter has never tasted the agony of defeat.

“I started in 2012 so I’ve had a good Cup Match experience since then,” Manders said.

“I’ll never forget my debut, coming in not knowing what to expect, but I think I actually played a good part in bringing the cup back.

“My cousin was the captain, so he brought me in, stuck to his guns and it was nice to bring the cup back in 2012.

“My aim is definitely to try and beat the St George’s record of having the cup for 19 years. We’re definitely trying to beat that and set our own standards.

“I also want to get 1,000 runs. I think I’ve got the years on my side, even though mentally I feel like I'm a little older because I started at a young age, so I just need to try and tune myself in and play a lot more.”