ONGRATULATIONS to the Bermuda National Cricket Team, who completed a thrashing of Canada, Cayman and Argentina in the One Day Internationals. Special kudos must go to skipper Irvine Romaine, who continues to impress with the bat, lead from the front and is making a case to be enshrined as Bermuda's best batsman. I can't think of anyone else who could realistically challenge him for the title.

On a somewhat sad note, but still on the topic of cricket, my team, Cleveland County Cricket Club, suffered an even worse thrashing at the hands of an undermanned St. David's team, at last Saturday's Eastern Counties Cup Competition.

More on all of this after we visit the Top 20.

Moving on up to number one is by Destra, which has loads of energy and is good for any party. With several weekends left in the summer of 2006, especially for those of us who live in Bermuda, you must get a copy of this party starter track.

Down to number number two is , a soca anthem by Shurwayne Winchester. Dropping to number three is by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean, a former essential new joint and one of the most popular songs in the World.

Falling to number four is by Explainer, which tells a funny story. Climbing to number five is by Machel Montano featuring Patrice Roberts. Up to number six its Nelly Furtado and Timbaland, with their hit new single .

Up to number seven is by Ne-Yo, one of the hottest new male vocalists on the scene. Falling to number eight is by Allison Hinds featuring Machelle Montano. Down to number nine is by Letoya, a former singer with Destiny's Child.

Tumbling to number10 is Girl by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell from the Neptunes. Down to number 11 but still very popular is by Yung Joc.

Now the new joints, starting with a former essential new banger. Up to number12 is from the reigning Queen and King of Hip Hop, Beyonce and Jay-Z. I was asked to describe this hit recently and told the person that it is somewhat similar to, in that the voices are the same and the tempo is similar. However, it has a hot, new beat and is very catchy. At number13 it's by the talented new cutie Cassie. Have you seen this young hottie? She looks as good as she sings.

Down to number14 is by T.I. Falling to number 15 is, a very smooth dance track by my favourite dance diva, Madonna. Down to number 16 is Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone with their hit . On the way up at number 17 is Sean Paul featuring Keyshia Cole, withand up to number18 is the new one from Janet (Jackson) & Nelly, entitled .

Down to number1 9 spot this week is by Bajan cutie Rihana. Now this week's essential new banger ? entering at number 20 it's Shoulder Lean by Young Dro featuring T.I. T.I. is apparently one of the hottest rappers in the business and has produced several hits this year.

Now back to this week's word ? cricket for Bermuda and Cleveland.

Well done to the coaches, officials and players of the Bermuda National Cricket Team, who while struggling in the open cricket matches, are doing far better in the One Day Internationals (ODIs). I'm not concerned and in fact if I had to choose, would prefer that they do better in the ODIs, since this is to be the format for the World Cup in 2007.

We shouldn't really be surprised; Bermuda has never really played Test Cricket or any cricket that lasts four or five days. However, if we are to develop and improve our standard of cricket, our batsmen have to learn to bat far longer than they are accustomed to batting today. This change in mindset must begin when young players first start playing competitive cricket. In fact, it should start in elementary schools. So, I conclude that although the opposition in Canada are not exactly the top cricket nations of the world, Bermuda can take some positives from the ODI's and look to build on it.

Now my team; Cleveland County. I took my little dude to last Saturday's County Game, and although I, like most fans and players, was disappointed in our performance, unlike most, I don't diss or criticise.

You see, people forget; it is human nature. We forget that we were young and stupid once too. We forget that we were not always brilliant and amazing, as we like to suggest to younger people when we talk with them. As people age, they exaggerate their accomplishments and boast of how things were better back then. Well, not me. I promised myself when I stopped playing competitive cricket and football, that I would not be one a former player who constantly criticises the current generation of players.

That said, I felt the pain and frustration of the players as I sat in the players' area at Sea Breeze Oval.

It's a clich? but I've been there and done that. I've been in games where we were bowled out for less than 100. That's cricket; stuff happens. But life is about learning from your experiences and trying not to repeat mistakes.

Therefore, I will only encourage our young team which has good players with enormous potential. They must remember the way they felt on Saturday as they were being skittled out cheaply. They must remember what it feels like to lose in such an embarrassing manner. My team must take those memories with them each time they play a match; with a view to playing in a manner which ensures that they don't have to feel that way again. You can't control everything, but a lot of things in life are the result of decisions we make. Our shot selection was bad; and I remember this being one of my pitfalls too, as a batsman.

But, we can do better! The message I wish to send to my team is that we have to apply ourselves with the bat, ball and when fielding. There are many theories, but I believe that good cricket starts with good batting. If you can bat, you are always in with a chance.

The ability to bat without the fear of being decimated by an opposition instills confidence and removes pressure. We must be able always to score 200 runs. Every time we play, somebody must be looking to make a century and somebody else a half-century. This is the way teams build big innings.

Also, while league play is a better barometer of a teams performance, versus a one day, once a year County Match, you cannot underestimate what winning the Eastern County Cup Competition would mean for the Harris' Bay, Devil's Hole community. I've even thought about coming out of retirement to try to help us to win the Cup! Our community needs to win this cup soon; we haven't won it since 1981. I remember Steven Douglas Sr. taking a winning catch down at the very same Sea Breeze Oval, after Cleveland were bowled out for only 121, and few people thought they would win.

So, fret not my brothers. Let's keep performing well in the league, keep training, practicing, listening to the coaches and try to improve every day. Look to finish the 2006 league campaign on a high note and carry that over into next season.

Get an early start to preseason training, look to excel in the league and hopefully we will produce a winning performance in the 2007 Eastern County Cup Competition.

Peace ?