Somerset Cricket Club groundsman Reid Jones is confident the batting track he has prepared for this week's Cup Match in the West End will ultimately produce a result.

"I have prepared a wicket that should produce a result and I have faith and confidence that it will play good because it has had the proper preparation. It's just now all up to the batsmen to apply themselves and the bowlers to put the ball in the right areas," Jones said.

"We (Somerset) played on that same wicket on Sunday (July 20) and it was beautiful for cricket. The ball seamed around early and the wicket did have some spice and juice in it before settling down a bit later on."

The veteran all-rounder, who is relatively new to the trade, has surrounded himself with the experience of assistants Cordell Brangman and Uneko Smith who between them have nearly 40 years experience in the business.

Jones says he takes pride in his work and is determined not to allow last week's incident that saw two Somerset batsmen hit during practice discourage him. Struck were veteran all-rounder Janeiro Tucker and opening batsman Jermaine Warner whose left hand was broken when he fell victim to a delivery from pacer Kevin Hurdle that flighted late.

"Nobody had the ball standing as high as Hurdle. He seemed to be the only bowler getting steep bounce and he stands over six feet tall. At the end of the day you have to remember that Hurdle also struck Jayasuriya (Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya), one of the top ten batsmen in the world, with a rising delivery from a good length in the World Cup (2007). Now does that make the wicket at Queen's Park Oval a bad one?"

Jones admits preparing a Cup Match strip is a huge responsibilty that is accompanied by various pressures and demands that are placed on he and his fellow ground crew in the lead-up to the big holiday. But he's taking the matter all in stride.

"Of course, you are going to have nerves because you are always going to have critics and as a young groundsman most people feel that because of my age (35) I am not qualified enough to prepare a wicket for a game of this magnitude. However, most of the feedback that I have had has been positive," he added.

"I have had a lot of outside help with people like Sheridan Raynor (ex-Somerset skipper) and Glenn (Puddy) Gilbert who have come around and offered their advice. But Winston Reid (ex-Somerset cricketer, coach and groundsman) has really been the driving force that has helped me along the way. He has taught me a lot of aspects about this wicket."

For veteran groundsman Brangman, who has many Cup Matches under his belt, this year will be business as usual.

The 51-year has worked under the likes of mentors Winton (Timmy) Edwards and Sheridan Raynor in the past and also took a crash course at Savanah Park on a visit to Trinidad.

So how did he get started in the trade?

"I did a lot of landscaping as a youngster and when I was old enough to come around the club I eventually took an interest in doing the grounds. I used to help out for all events, not just cricket and football. So basically I've been working around the club all of my life," he said.

"Reid is the one basically in charge and he is doing a fine job. I'm just there to assist wherever I'm needed."

Asked to give a prediction on the outcome of this year's classic, Brangman replied: "I don't like to make predictions because it could go the opposite way. But Reid has done a fine job and hopefully we will all get to see a great game of cricket as far as the batting and bowling is concerned. It's all basically up to the two teams and the players individually."

Like Brangman, Smith has also worked with Edwards – who struck then record 170 not out for Somerset at Somerset Cricket Club in 1950 – in the past.

"Timmy taught me a lot about working on the pitch. He showed me the ins and outs and whenever he was unavailable he would tell me to go and roll the pitch and get things ready," Smith recalled. "Bernard Brangman (ex-Somerset groundsman) also taught me a few things when he was working at the club and things just went from there."

Like first cousin Jones, Smith also takes pride in his work and enjoys the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the biggest cricket spectacle of the summer.

"Knowing that you are preparing something for one of the biggest holidays and most electrifying atmospheres in Bermuda is a very huge responsibility and something truly special," he added. "It's always good when people come up to you and acknowledge your contribution. It's very satisfying and everybody can't wait until that day. Everybody can't wait until that first ball is bowled and then it's a big relief."

Asked whetherhis team had what it takes to wrest the cup from champions St.George's, Smith confidently replied: "I feel good about my boys this year, although we have to really want it back. But I think the guys are really connected and will be up for the challenge this year."