Somerset Cricket Club 391 St. George’s Cricket Club 113 & 188
Somerset Cricket Club retained the Cup Match trophy in emphatic fashion, defeating St. George's Cricket Club by an innings and 90 runs after bowling the challengers out twice on the second day of the 2026 classic.
After resuming the morning on 277 for 6, Somerset extended their first-innings total to 391, thanks largely to a breathtaking unbeaten innings from Malachi Jones.
With this year's Cup Match marking the final appearance for both Jones and Dion Stovell, the all-rounder signed off in spectacular style, blasting 79 not out from just 50 deliveries. His explosive knock included nine fours and five sixes, providing Somerset with the imposing total that ultimately proved beyond St. George's.
Faced with a daunting reply, St. George's struggled to build meaningful partnerships. After reaching 75 for 2, they suffered a dramatic collapse following the dismissal of Delray Rawlins for 20 in the 18th over.
Just 11 overs later, the challengers had been dismissed for 113, with Jonte Smith top-scoring with 41. Somerset's bowlers dominated proceedings, as Derrick Brangman returned outstanding figures of 4 for 22 from 8.3 overs, while Dion Stovell matched him with 4 for 31 from seven overs.
Trailing by 278 runs, St. George's were forced to follow on, but despite showing greater resistance in their second innings, they were unable to deny Somerset victory.
Isaiah O'Brien led the fightback with an entertaining 64 from 67 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes, but regular wickets prevented the challengers from mounting a serious recovery. St. George's were eventually dismissed for 188, with Brangman once again leading the attack, claiming 4 for 50 from 17.5 overs to complete a memorable match.
The comprehensive victory ensured Somerset retained Bermuda's most coveted cricket prize in commanding fashion, with their experienced players delivering when it mattered most.
It was an especially poignant conclusion for veterans Dion Stovell and Malachi Jones, who both bowed out of Cup Match cricket as champions. Stovell contributed with both bat and ball, while Jones produced a match-defining unbeaten innings to help secure a fitting farewell in one of Bermuda's greatest sporting traditions.
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