Oronde Bascome retained the Cup Match trophy with St.George's in his first match as captain – and then declared his desire to make a return to the Bermuda national team.

Bascome, who followed in the footsteps of his father Herbie and his grandfather Gregory (Brutus) Foggo by leading the club in this year's rain-soaked classic, has not played for his country since last summer against Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup.

The talented opener scored 23 runs on Thursday's opening day at Somerset Cricket Club and has vowed to force his way into new coach David Moore's future plans.

"Playing for your country is always a privilege and a pleasure and I would love to play for Bermuda again at any point," said the 22-year-old.

"It's just I've obviously had a few run-ins with the cricket board during my career but there's a new coach in place now and I hope I can push forward and break into his plans.

"There's a lot of good players in Bermuda and I don't think I should be in the team at the moment if I'm being honest.

"But if I work hard I believe I do have the ability to get back in there."

Despite his team losing seven wickets for 79 runs yesterday, Bascome believes St.George's were never in any danger of relinquishing the trophy they won in 2005, when his father led them to a famous victory at Wellington Oval.

"I believe my players showed some excellent stuff on the field," he said. "We showed our talent, our bowlers were excellent and even before the rain came we were still on top throughout the match. I really believe we were on top regardless of the rain factor."

He admitted Malachi Jones' devastating spell yesterday morning sent a few tremors through the visitors' dressing room and praised Somerset's pace ace for his all-round heroics.

"Somerset came at us really good this morning and Malachi Jones bowled very well and put us under a lot of pressure," he said. "But I believe we had the talent and mental capabilities to handle that pressure.

"I applaud the challenge they gave us this year and I'm already looking forward to next year."

Bascome, who celebrated retaining the trophy with a lap of the outfield while waving his team's flag, said he was far from satisfied with the draw and was desperate to lead the East Enders to victory.

"I'm not satisfied with the draw because I want to win the cup as captain of St.George's. We're capable of more than just a draw and hopeful next year that happens," Bascome said.

"But it's always a good feeling to have the trophy as it means we're still the champions."

"It's a privilege to be captain of St.George's. I believe Cup Match is the most prestigious team event on the Island. I don't know if I'll be captain next year, but if I am we'll be coming out in St.George's to fight."

For Cup Match pictures go to Spotted on the Rock.

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