St George’s Cup Match selection committee chairman Jelani Carlington is bracing himself for a “headache” as he tries to choose a team finally capable of bringing Somerset’s recent dominance to a grinding halt this year.

“With the players that have been training, we are going to have a headache on Saturday,” Carlington told The Royal Gazette.

“I think we are going to be successful this year with whoever we pick with this group of guys that have been working hard. We have a big task on Saturday but I really hope the guys pick themselves.”

The committee may have to pick some unfamiliar name this year with senior players OJ Pitcher (injured) and George O’Brien (dropped) out of the equation, while seamer Jordan Burgess has overseas school commitments, but Carlington believes St George’s have depth to compensate for their loss.

“OJ is unfortunate with his injury and with George we unfortunately had to move on,” he said.

“This gives somebody else a chance to prove themselves and we have a good crop of young players coming up, so I feel confident that we can replace them.

“George has given great service and was a phenomenal player for us, but as you can see we need to breed new blood and can’t depend on people for ever and ever.”

Among the new faces in the camp this year is former Sussex all-rounder Delray Rawlins, who comes with enormous expectations given his wealth of talent and experience.

“Having Delray back is really a blessing,” Carlington said. “He hasn’t played since his debut, when he scored a fifty, and hopefully he can do well.

“I really feel the buzz this year and the community is excited, especially with Delray back. I think people want to see him do something really special and we also have our captain Onias Bascome, who is another big player.

“Onias scored 160-odd in one game so hopefully he can come off big and then we have other good players like Zeko Burgess and experienced wicketkeeper Sinclair Smith.

“It’s a good bunch of experience and bringing in some of other young players might actually bring a change. The youth players coming up with the more experienced players are gelling well, which is creating a buzz.

“The guys are really hungry and I think it’s our time, having Delray back and a couple of these youngsters coming up. It’s exciting times down here and I think playing at home is going to be a big bonus.”

There is no doubt about the positive talk flowing from the St George’s camp this week, and Carlington is inspired by the good vibes he has seen on the training pitch.

“The environment has changed and I see a new attitude building on from last year,” he said

“This year has been even better with training packed every week and players and the coaches working hard. We have a lot of experience helping the guys.”

Before becoming chairman of the committee, Carlington was no stranger to the processes after serving as a selector and was chosen to succeed Damon Walker.

“I had been groomed to take over from Damon Walker the last couple of years and the selection process is not going to be a challenge for me because I have already been there,” he said.

“Even before then I was around the team as a player and helping out in the back room. I also have good guidance from people that have been on the selection committee, including captains and coaches.

“I have been listening to people and getting ideas with the ultimate goal to pick a winning team.”

Carlington says reclaiming the coveted trophy is of vital importance to the club and its community.

“This cup means everything to this community; Cup Match is St George’s,” he said. “It’s our heart and soul and with Somerset having the cup, we need that back.

“It would be tremendous for our community to get the cup back, especially since we have lost so many players like Osagi Bascome, Freddy Hall, Travis Smith, Landro Minors and Fiqre Crockwell.

“Bringing the trophy back for them will be a big thing for this community.”