Dear Sir, This weekend's Camel Cup final at Lords lived up to expectations as Bermuda's top three batsmen Clay Smith, Albert Steede and Glen Blakeney all scored runs while Lionel Cann proved he was up for the challenge with a fine all round performance.

I believe that innings by Glen was the best I have ever seen him play - usually when he goes to the wicket he simply smashes the ball to all parts of the field which while I concede is entertaining is not necessarily good cricket.

On Sunday he demonstrated a bit more patience putting the bad ball away while respecting the good ones, this was important as the bowlers were by and large bowling a good line and length. Ian Rawlins's interview with Clay on Monday night's 'Inside Sport' was very interesting.

I was glad to hear that both he and Dean Minors still want to play for Bermuda because if there is one thing our performance at the Americas Cup tournament in Argentina proved is that we need our best players in order to compete.

I wish that we as Bermudians would learn to appreciate our own homegrown talent. There are three Bermudians who I am certain would have played for the West Indies if eligible, the first is Alma 'Champ' Hunt the second Clarence 'Tuppence' Parfitt and the third is Clay Smith.

I really should not do this but I would like to relate some interesting facts from a conversation I had with Clay himself about his century against Jamaica in the Red Stripe Bowl.

When he was in the 40s and nearing the half-century mark he played and missed a couple of times at former West Indies fast bowler Patrick Patterson, a man once described by England all-rounder Ian Botham as 'murderously quick'. Patterson glared at Clay and muttered a few 'pleasantries' in his direction.

Smith quietly moved on to his 50 then proceeded to hammer Patterson to the midwicket boundary whereupon he informed the former Test player, 'You had your turn, now it's mine'. With that Smith took apart a Jamaican bowling attack that also included Courtney Walsh, Laurie Williams and Nehemiah Perry.

Cricketers such as Hunt, Parfitt and Clay come around about once every 20 years, we had better learn to appreciate them while they are here because there is no guarantee we will find adequate replacements in the near future.

If you think about it we have yet to unearth anyone remotely comparable to Parfitt.

Moving on to Cup Match I would like to state the three main reasons why I do not see St. George's upsetting Somerset and winning the coveted Trophy on the 100th Anniversary of the Classic:

1. Unlike Somerset they are not a team but rather a collection of individuals who, while undoubtedly talented, don't really function as a team.

2. I do not believe they will be able to dismiss Somerset twice even if they pick their best bowling attack.

3. Unlike Somerset they are missing a key ingredient necessary for any team to be successful - discipline.

Recman

Dear Sir, I know it's a bit early but I have come up with the following players who St. George's should name for this year's annual Cup Match classic.

In batting order it is as follows: Glenn Blakeney, Clay Smith (vice capt), O.J.Pitcher, Charlie Marshall (captain), Lionel Cann, Travis Smith (colt), Peter Philpott (colt), Fred Hall Jr. (colt and wicketkeeper), Gregg Foggo, Herbie Bascome and Mackie Crane.

During the final trial game next week perhaps Mark Ray, Phillip Pitcher and/or Gary Brangman can play themselves into the side, we will have to wait and see.

I don't want to see Glenn, Charlie or Clay bowl either. I truly feel this team will drive Recman underground or drive him abroad.

I have selected young Hall as the wicketkeeper so that Blakeney is not overworked, although I feel that the latter is the better player behind the stumps at this stage.

Mansfield (Bojangles) Smith