Captain of the Somerset Team, Jordan DeSilva shares with us his favourite things about Cup Match.
1. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
“Stick to the wicket and the runs will come.” It’s obviously a cliche in my sport, but I think it works perfectly for life as well. You can’t be successful if you don’t at least give yourself a chance.
2. For you, what does it mean to represent Somerset?
It’s a big deal for me because it’s where I grew up and it’s where I’ve lived for practically my whole life. I’ve also never played for any other team so I take pride in feeling like I’m representing my entire community.
3. What is your favorite Bermudian tradition?
Besides Cup Match, I would have to say Codfish & Potato breakfast. I love to eat and that’s certainly one of my favorite dishes.
4. When did you develop your love for the game?
Surprisingly I got involved in cricket after trying every other sport you could possibly think of. I was about 12 when I took a serious interest in cricket.
5. Where is the best place for a fish sandwich?
Woody’s Sports Bar & Restaurant (of course it’s in the west end).
6. Who is your all-time favorite cricket player?
Locally would be Charlie Marshall and internationally would be Kevin Pietersen.
7. What’s the most Instagram-worthy place in Bermuda?
Anywhere you can see the ocean and our beautiful pink sand.
8. What’s your favorite Cup Match tradition? (Besides playing!)
Going to the game with my family. Cup match is our two most favorite days of the whole year and I actually attended Cup Match with them long before playing cricket or even dreaming of actually playing Cup Match. I’ve been at every Cup Match since I was 9 years old.
9. What is your go-to post-game cocktail?
An ice cold beer is good enough for me.
10. What was your favorite Cup Match ever?
2014 when I won for the first time as a player. Winning for the first time as captain last year is close, but I’d have to say 2014.
11. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
I’ve been lucky enough to not have any major tragedies in my life but I’d say losing my grandfather when I was 15 was probably the toughest. He was my biggest fan and I wish he could witness what I’ve been able to accomplish since he’s been gone.
12. What is the best Cup Match fare? (For example, a snowball, fish sandwich, conch fritters, etc.)
Cup Match never comes and goes without me having a Snowy’s snowball, so I’d have to say that.
13. Who was/is the most influential person in your life?
My Dad, without a doubt. From a young age he’s always taught me the importance of being respectful and polite. He’s also the main reason why I’m a complete sports fanatic now.
14. What is on your pre-game playlist?
Actually not a big fan of listening to music.
15. Why is Cup Match so special to Bermudians?
I think we take pride in being the only country in the world that has a 2 day holiday to play cricket. Not just that, but the fact we do it to celebrate the emancipation of slavery which of course is a big piece of our history.
