The time has finally arrived for Somerset and St George’s to pick their teams for this year’s Cup Match classic.

Over the past several weeks both clubs have run the rule over the players at their disposal who will compete in final trial matches at either end of the island today.

Champions Somerset are the team most unlikely to make any changes. However, South African JJ Nel and Cleveland County wicketkeeper Steven Bremar Jr could make things interesting when the selection committee convenes behind closed doors after all is said and done in the middle.

South African Nel has impressed during his debut season with Somerset after joining from Flatts Victoria at the beginning of the campaign and has also excelled in Western Counties, stroking a polished 81 in a losing cause for challengers PHC against a Warwick team featuring Somerset Cup Match trio Kamau Leverock, Malachi Jones and Tre Manders.

Bremar, who lost his place behind the stumps to wicketkeeper Zerai Tomlinson last year, has struck top form with the bat at the right time after thumping back-to-back hundreds this month.

Bremar and Tomlinson have both been named in the Vice-President’s XI trial team along with Nel, who is attempting to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Saleem Mukuddem. He made four appearances for Somerset in Cup Match, setting a new colt record of 106 not out on his debut at Wellington Oval in 2003 and following up with an unbeaten 160 the following year. He maintains the highest Cup Match average of 96.

Janeiro Tucker, the Somerset coach, said the players have put in the work in training and it is up to them to make the most of the opportunity to earn a spot in the champion’s team.

“It’s that time of the year and everyone has to put their best foot forward and impress the selectors,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“We have prepared all the players over the last month of training physically and mentally, so now they have to give it their all and leave no stone unturned to pick themselves.

“The teams are strong for the final trial and will give the selectors a hard process, so we can have some good discussions come Saturday night. I want to wish all the players the best of luck and play hard not just to retain the cup, but win it outright.”

One notable absentee from Somerset’s final Cup Match trial is Brianna Ray. The top female cricketer took part in the trial match last year but is off to Dominican Republic to represent the island as part of the netball team for the Central American and Caribbean Games.

On the flip side of the coin, St George’s have been forced to make at least one change to their Cup Match team as opener Marcus Scotland has been ruled out after failing to play any matches for St David’s this season.

The challengers are also without the services of bowler Luke Fulton, who has been ruled out through a long-term shoulder injury.

St George’s also no longer have former captain OJ Pitcher as a possible option after his retirement. Pitcher lost his spot in the St George’s team in 2023 after being ruled out with a rib injury and was unable to regain it before his retirement.

He also had the honour to captain St George’s in Cup Match in 2015 which proved bittersweet as the match ended in defeat for his team.

Apart from filling the void created by Scotland, St George’s are unlikely to make any other changes, although Southampton Rangers seamer Nhyrobi Carmichael could potentially cause considerable debate around the table after claiming 19 wickets in nine appearances so far this season.

The St George’s Vice-President’s XI is notable for the inclusions of former Somerset club players Jahnoi Bean, a wicketkeeper and early-order batter who is now at Bailey’s Bay, and Sheldon Caesar, the Willow Cuts strike bowler.

Clay Smith, the St George’s coach, is looking forward to a good contest as his players attempt to secure their spot in the challenger’s Cup Match team.

“TWe have two balanced teams, an abundance of youth mixed with some seasoned veterans, which should make for a good trial,” he said.

“I want to thank the coaching staff for doing an excellent job in helping the players prepare. It should be an entertaining day of cricket and I wish all the players the best.”

Meanwhile, champions St George’s will rest their Colts Cup Match title on the line Somerset in the West End tomorrow.

St George’s retained their title last year after the match ended in a draw at Wellington Oval.