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Colts give old boys a new look

Cup holders Somerset have named three colts in their squad to take on Harris Bay in the annual Old Boys charity cricket match at Somerset Cricket Club next Thursday.The West Enders have pumped fresh blood into their squad in the form of Jeff Richardson, Shawn Roberts, Vance Gilbert and Danzell Dill to suggest they do not intend to relinquish the trophy anytime soon.Richardson is a former Bermuda and Western Stars batsman while Roberts, Gilbert and Dill all made a name for themselves at Somerset, Willow Cuts and Somerset Bridge during their careers.The champions will again be led by Kevin Saunders who is one of six players in the team that represented Somerset in Cup Match.Somerset beat Harris Bay by four wickets last year to claim bragging rights for the first time since 2006.However, the challengers are determined to avenge the loss and have bolstered their squad with the additions of former –Bailey’s Bay and St. George’s Cup Match star Noel Gibbons and ex-Flatts Victoria –all-rounder William Weldon, who will be making their first –appearances in the annual match.Gibbons, who currently coaches Bailey’s Bay in the Premier Division, is the only player to score 1,000 runs and claim 100 wickets in the Eastern Counties competition.Randall Woolridge has also replaced Maxwell Mussen as Harris Bay’s captain as Mussen has decided to skip this year’s event for personal reasons.The Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys charity match has raised thousands of dollars for those in need since its inception and proceeds from this year’s match will to go to Tomorrow’s Voices, which is an organisation that caters to the needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.“We actually supported Tomorrow’s Voices a couple of years ago but felt it necessary to help them again because they need assistance helping the children in the community,” said Garry Williams, the Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys committee chairman.Tomorrow’s Voices co-founder Thea Furbert, said: “We are very thankful and appreciate the Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys contributing to our organisation to assist with helping those with autism.”This year marks the 60th anniversary of the event that is traditionally played on the first Thursday in September.“We are trying to keep this tradition going on not only –because of the cricket game but also because we are able to help the community. That is something I take great pride in helping out in that particular area,” Williams said.“Every year we look to bring in guys that are willing to help out and I am very proud that these guys have taken the opportunity to do so.”A church service - to be attended by players from both teams - will be held at Somerset Methodist Church on Sunday, beginning at 11am.