Challengers St George’s have been forced to tweak their Cup Match plans with strike bowler Luke Fulton expected to be sidelined by a shoulder injury.

The Warwick Workmen’s Club player, who made his debut in the Annual Classic last year at Somerset Cricket Club, requires “several months” of recovery, forcing the challengers to consider their options.

He has been allowed to bat and field, but the predominantly lower-order batter’s calling card at the highest level domestically is with ball in hand, sending down deliveries approaching 80mph.

Which means St George’s will be required to make at least one change this year to the team beaten by 226 runs in 2024.

“Unfortunately, I’m managing a right shoulder injury that’s affecting my ability to bowl,” Fulton told The Royal Gazette.

“I’ve consulted with a shoulder specialist in the UK, Professor Funk, and while surgery isn’t necessary, I am undergoing a period of rehabilitation through physiotherapy.

“The recovery process is expected to take several months, during which time I won’t be bowling. However, I remain available as a batsman and fielder, and I still plan to travel with the Bermuda Under-19 team [to the 2026 World Cup Americas Qualifiers in Atlanta, Georgia] in that capacity. I also intend to trial for Cup Match as required.”

Fulton, who took one for 57 and was among four colts named in the St George’s team last year, had been in coach Clay Smith’s plans before his troubles began.

“Fulton has informed us of his situation,” Smith said.

“Obviously we are disappointed, as he along with Zeko Burgess, spearheaded our attack last year. We were looking for the same this year, but we have to now make an adjustment.

“We just wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery.”

Fulton has put his injury down to wear and tear, and having not sought earlier advice.

“It happened over time as it was more of a wear-and-tear injury, as opposed to a muscle tear or strain,” he explained.

“I played through the pain when I was at school, because we had some important matches, instead of getting it checked out.”

Among those seeking to retain their spot in the St George’s team is spinner Kevon Fubler, who was also a colt last year.

“I have been training and it’s been going good so far. I am just sticking to it and hopefully I get picked,” he said.

The slow left-arm bowler chose the right moment to shine as he claimed four for 35 to help guide new club St David’s to a five-wicket win over St George’s in a Premier Division 50 Overs derby match at Wellington Oval on Sunday.

Fubler also played for St George’s in the league while on loan from Willow Cuts last season before moving across the harbour to St David’s in the hope of representing them in the Eastern Counties.

“I mainly went to St David’s to lock in for Eastern Counties being I am getting up in age,” the 33-year-old said.

“I have to wait a year at least to be eligible to play, so I said I might as well go now while the opportunity is there.”

Two others serving notice to the St George’s Cup Match selectors were St David’s team-mates Marcus Scotland and Isaiah O’Brien.

Scotland, who made his Cup Match debut last year, led the scoring with a polished 61, adding 71 for the third-wicket with Tre Manders.

O’Brien stroked an unbeaten 44, featuring in a match-winning, 66-run, sixth-wicket partnership with Ricardo Brangman.