ST GEORGE’S, Bermuda, CMC — Veteran Janeiro Tucker smashed two records as holders Somerset dominated hosts St George’s on the opening day of Cup Match, Bermuda’s premier domestic fixture, at Wellington Oval on Thursday.
Tucker, 38, became the first batsman to score four centuries in the 111-year history of the two-day match between the two clubs at each end of the island and also became the game’s highest run scorer, overtaking retired St George’s batsman Charlie Marshall’s old record of 1,357.
Tucker also holds the record for the highest score in Cup Match — 186 — which he made 12 years ago.
Tucker’s unbeaten 104, coupled with 18-year-old Tre Manders’ 109, helped Somerset pile up 370-6 declared from 79 overs after they won the toss, the pair adding 181 for the fourth wicket as the visitors from the island’s west end put the home attack to the sword.
Earlier, openers Terryn Fray (44) and Chris Douglas (42) laid the foundation for Somerset’s imposing total against a new-look St George’s team featuring four Cup Match debutants.
St George’s most successful bowler was Lateef Trott, who took 3-78 from 19 overs.
By stumps, St George’s had crumbled to 76-5 from 26 overs, leaving them with a mountain to climb to avoid defeat yesterday, having been crushed by 10 wickets in last year’s match at Somerset.
Summarised scores:
Somerset 370-6 declared (Tre Manders 109, Janeiro Tucker 104 not out, Terryn Fray 44, Chris Douglas 42; Lateef Trott 3-78), St George’s 76-5 (Jacobi Robinson 2-25).
