The final round of the Western Counties series, which pits holders Somerset Bridge against challengers Warwick Workmen’s Club has been pushed back a fortnight.

The anticipated clash was supposed to take place at White Hill Field on Saturday but has been rescheduled for August 23 as both teams have players overseas competing for Bermuda in the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup Americas Qualifier in Rydal, Georgia.

As a result of the revision, Western Counties Cricket Association and Somerset Bridge president Teresa Burrows confirmed that the All-Star game, originally scheduled to be held on September 6, will now take place this weekend in place of the final.

“We have made a switch so the All-Star game will be on Saturday and the final between Somerset Bridge and Warwick on the 23rd,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“We made this switch because of the under-19 team being away and both teams are affected by the loss of players. We worked it out because I would definitely like to have the best players available for the final that we possibly can.

“A lot of players are off the island and a lot of teams are struggling to field players this weekend, but we are going to be successful in having this game on Saturday.”

The All-Star game was originally due to feature players from the Eastern and Western Counties, but for the first time it will also involve Central Counties and possibly St George’s players.

“The Bermuda Cricket Board has scheduled St David’s and Cleveland’s make-up game on the same day so we lose two teams from the Eastern Counties,” Burrows said.

“That’s why I reached out to the Central Counties, which includes an Evening League team. We will have those players involved, so we will definitely have representation from Devonshire Recreation Club and North Village. I am just waiting to confirm with Western Stars to see if we can also get some of their players.

“Bailey’s Bay and Flatts are still involved so we have players from those teams and potentially a St George’s player or two from the east just so we can make up the numbers.”

One of the island’s top players who could possibly make an appearance in the All-Star game is Warwick’s Kamau Leverock.

The all-rounder was ruled out of the Western Counties series this year after joining Warwick from rivals Somerset Bridge and must wait a year before he is eligible to play for his new club under the rules of the competition.

“Kamau is a league player for Warwick so he is able to play,” Burrows said. “Because I have invited the outside entities I have allowed whoever is on the team to play, so it’s not like regular eligibility in county.

“In regular county games he can’t play for Warwick because he played for Somerset Bridge last year, but in this particular All-Star game he is able to play.”

Burrows is looking forward to the 40-overs contest, which is scheduled to get under way at 11am.

“I am expecting it to be a great game and the guys are excited about it,” she said.

“It’s something different and is something that some of the guys will unfortunately never be able to play in because they don’t play for a west team or don’t live in the areas to qualify for eligibility. I think they are happy they can participate and have a great day of cricket.”

Gates open at 8am, with admission $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. Children under 12 are able to enter for free.