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It was really great to see the youngsters on their debut against the West Indies in the Tri-Series in Canada last week.

Even though we didn't win, it was a very positive experience for them because they were not intimidated by the West Indies fast bowlers. They faced each ball on its own merit. Having done all the net work with the coaches here helped. They had faced 90mph bowling from the machines made a difference and now when they go out and face less challenging bowlers, they should do even better.

The matches in Canada just shows the progress Bermuda has made and that the investments we are making in our youth are worth it. Many of these guys played with the Under-19s the last three years and it shows. We are now reaping the rewards from the development programme. We have our own homegrown players representing us.

In the past we've had guys like Colin Blades and Adrian King playing for us and adding experience, but this was an all local team.

Canada had players who had 50 first class innings under their belts - guys who played for India or Pakistan but are now eligible to represent Canada.

Our pool isn't as big as other countries so we have to make sure to nurture our own players.

Stefan Kelly continues to impress me - he continues to be amazing. It just goes to show how important it is to be away at a cricket school

Back in the squad

It was quite good to be back in the national squad with all the youngsters after taking some time off to sort out other issues in my life. I'm a cricketer and that's where I should be - playing cricket. I love being with the guys and they love being with me.

Now I have to help Bermuda prepare to qualify for the next World Cup and help us keep our ODI status. It would be a real set back for Bermuda if we didn't qualify. We'd lose funding and we'd lose the exposure that would help raise the level of our cricket.

Eastern County

We play Cleveland in the Eastern County final on Saturday and they are very well coached by Clay Smith. They'll come to St. David's and be confidant that they can win the Cup.

But this is a trophy we want. We won the 20-20 at the start of the season, but haven't done as well in the league with so many of St. David's players playing for the national team. Social Club and Southampton Rangers didn't have to face the same challenges as you and could count on their full squad be available for nearly every match.

We're looking at having Fiqre Crockwell, George O'Brien and Chris Douglas as guest players on Saturday. They aren't really outsiders as they all have represented St. David's before or have grown up in St. David's.

Our league players still get first priority and we have five or six quality players that play for Bermuda.

It will be a successful season for us if we can defend the trophy on Saturday.[[In-content Ad]]

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