Even without batsman Chris Douglas and all-rounder Makai Young this season, a top four finish is still within Cleveland’s reach, coach Grant Smith believes.

Douglas has rejoined Willow Cuts while Young is seeking new challenges with St George’s, leaving Cleveland without two key players in the batting and bowling departments. A Pakistani player, Iftikar Tramboo, who is new to Bermuda, has joined the team and will get his chance along with some of the club’s youngsters.

“Any team would welcome the batting talents of Chris, but he has decided to move on,” Smith said. “Initially we thought he would stay, it was possibly a late decision and I don’t know what prompted it.

“We don’t look to hold anyone back, if someone wants to move we don’t object to it. We don’t know what his reasons are, but we wish him the best. It’s all amateur sport in the end.”

Added Smith: “Makai Young is a bowling all-rounder who can come in and give a good boost to the batting as well. He had come up through our ranks over the last few seasons and is a loss as well. We’ve picked an all-rounder who is unknown in Bermuda, Iftikar Tramboo, and we’ll be looking to give him his chance.

“We have a couple of young boys coming through the ranks who we will probably elevate to the first team to meet with the losses we had.”

Cleveland were involved in two close matches against Eastern Counties rivals Bailey’s Bay and St David’s last season, beating Bay by 12 runs at Sea Breeze Oval before going down by 12 runs to St David’s.

Their achievements represented a big improvement on the previous season when they finished second from bottom and had to play Western Stars in a play-off to determine which team stayed up.

As it was the league format was changed last season with all the teams in one division and now they have returned to two divisions.

Cleveland’s fourth place finish last season would have secured them a spot in the Belco Cup under the previous format for the tournament. Now instead of playing either Southampton Rangers, St David’s or Willow Cuts in the semi-finals, Cleveland have to play in the play-off rounds, starting with a match against Devonshire Rec on Sunday.

“With the change in the format, I don’t agree with it and don’t agree with two clubs [Southampton and St David’s] given free passes into the semi-finals,” Smith said.

“Even speaking with players and some other club administrators, they thought it was a bit unfair that St David’s and Rangers get a pass into the semi-finals.

“It’s a bit strange to come up with that concept when everybody else has to battle it out. It’s unfair on the other eight teams.”

Captain: Dennis Musson.

Last season’s position: Fourth.

Out — Makai Young (St George’s), Chris Douglas (Willow Cuts).

In — Iftikar Tramboo.